The former Public Service Commission Chairperson, Salmaan Jacobs, will learn his fate when he returns to the Keetmanshoop Regional Court on 22 May.

Convicted of contravening the Anti-Corruption Act, Jacobs allegedly unlawfully, directly or indirectly, obtained gratification of N$30,000, corruptly using his office or position.

Jacobs received N$4,500 of the money, paid into Sadadi Enterprises CC, in which he and his wife hold an interest.

The payment followed a project proposal drafted and submitted by Jacobs, in the name of Sadadi, on behalf of his nephew, to the ||Kharas Regional Council.

At the time of the offence, between 10 June and 10 July 2006, Jacobs was employed as the Chief Regional Officer of the ||Kharas Regional Council.

Lawyer Boris Isaacks, representing Jacobs, submitted in mitigation that the accused is a first offender.

Isaacks stated his client is the sole provider and financial supporter for his household, despite his age of 67 and limited means.

He added that his client remains a productive, socially responsible member of society, and an appropriate sentence would be a warning or fine of no more than $5,000.

State Prosecutor Basson Lilungwe called for a N$20,000 fine or four years' imprisonment.

He submitted that corruption is a serious crime that erodes good governance principles.

Lilungwe contended the accused held a high position and thus should have upheld a high moral compass and accountability.

He stated the project was a conduit for the accused to obtain money for his own benefit.

Lilungwe argued the public wants courts to hold perpetrators accountable to instil public confidence and must instil confidence by showing corruption through fund mismanagement cannot and will not be tolerated.