The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) responded to social justice activist Shaun Gariseb regarding complaints about various irregularities at the Gobabis municipality.

Among some of the complaints raised by Gariseb is the alleged destruction of 17 plastic bags containing documents that are crucial for the investigation at the Gobabis Municipality.

Gariseb says that an effective internal investigation should be done regarding debt management functions.

He says the ACC's delay in doing a thorough investigation leaves room for more documents to be destroyed or tampered with.

The ACC, in its written response, stated that special investigators are appointed for local authority matters in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act.

It says the appointment of a special investigator can only be demanded in instances where the issue to be investigated requires expert knowledge in a particular field.

These are chartered accountants, quantity surveyors, and architects, among others.

During the course of 2024, various cases pertaining to the Gobabis Municipality were registered.

These allegations include corrupt practices, unlawful salary adjustments, and excessive overtime claims.

According to a report compiled by the Office of the Ombudsman, they had investigated the allegations and established that the CEO of the Gobabis Municipality had requested an internal investigation.

The ACC, in its written response to Gariseb, states that in the case of damaged files, the Police are the appropriate authority to investigate the matter.

It further reads that this investigation is complex but is at an advanced stage.