Two Karasburg Town Councillors and a staff member were remanded in custody after they appeared in the Karasburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday following an arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The three are Karasburg Mayor Maria Veldskoen, chairperson of the town’s management committee Francisckus Skeyer, and its acting CEO Hansina Isaacks.

The trio, who appeared before Magistrate Samingo Kasaona while Prosecutor Esther Japhet represented the state, will submit their formal bail application on Friday.

They are charged with at least two counts of corruption.

Last month, ACC officials raided the council offices as part of an investigation into dealings in the southern town. The council has been embroiled in a public standoff with the Urban and Rural Development Minister, Erastus Uutoni, following alleged illegal appointments and other maladministration issues at the council.

Sources say the political divide at the council has made it ungovernable. The Landless People’s Movement dominates the council with four seats, while the Swapo Party holds two seats and the Independent Patriots for Change has one seat.

In the past, LPM has accused Uutoni of meddling in council affairs.