The mother of a former August 26 Construction contractor Maria Ipumbu has been granted bail of N$50,000 following a brief appearance at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court.

Maria Ipumbu, 63, and her son, Titus Ipumbu, 41, surrendered to the Namibian Police on Monday accompanied by their lawyers after the arrest of former acting ||Karas Chief Regional Officer Ralph Sachika and his girlfriend, Lucia Jacob.

Lucia Jacob has also been granted bail of N$50,000, with conditions attached.

The state opposed bailing Titus Ipumbu, who faces charges of fraud, forgery, and violations under the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act, among others.

Prosecutor Menencia Hinda argued that Titus Ipumbu is a flight risk, could interfere with ongoing investigations, and that releasing him would not be in the interest of the public or the administration of justice.

Maria Ipumbu was represented by lawyer Florian Beukes, while Titus Ipumbu was represented by Mbanga Siyomunji.

Court documents allege that N$3.9 million, originally due to August 26 Construction, was fraudulently redirected.

Titus Ipumbu and Ralph Sachika are said to have conspired to have the funds deposited into Maria Ipumbu’s bank account; another sum of about N$500,000 was allegedly deposited into the bank account of Sachika's minor child.

Magistrate Lloyd Munyungano postponed the matter to 12 March for further police investigations.