The anti-corruption commission arrested three suspects on Wednesday in the Zambezi Region for their involvement in a fraudulent drought food supply scheme.

On Friday, the Katima Mulilo magistrate's court denied them bail.

During their first court appearance, the accused—52-year-old Gurion Siseho, 44-year-old Grodinah Liswaniso, and 52-year-old Jimmy Simataa—were informed that they face five and six charges, respectively.

Siseho and Simataa each face five charges, including accepting gratification, conspiracy to commit an offense, money laundering, acquiring or using proceeds from unlawful activities, and giving gratification.

 Liswaniso faces an additional charge of aiding in money laundering.

The case was postponed to May 29 for a formal bail application after the state opposed the granting of bail.

It is alleged that on September 3, 2024, a purchase order worth N$4,238,980 was issued to a private company for the supply of 20,138 bags of maize meal to the Zambezi Regional Council as part of a drought relief program.

Investigations revealed that on October 28, 2024, Simataa, an employee of the council, allegedly conspired with his co-accused to falsely certify that the 20,138 bags of maize meal had been received at the warehouse when, in reality, they had not.

It is alleged that Simataa pocketed N$350,000 from the undelivered drought relief 

tender, resulting in the government paying over N$4.2 million for supplies that were never delivered.

Siseho and Simataa were represented by lawyer Inonge Mainga, while Liswaniso was represented by Kalundu Kamwi.

 They will remain in custody until Monday.