CORRUPTION accused Esmerelda Majiedt (46) reportedly collapsed in the dock when Magistrate Ruth Herunga refused her bail on Friday afternoon.
Magistrate Herunga said bail was denied because of the likelihood that Majiedt might interfere with State witnesses or obstruct Police investigations.
The magistrate added that sending Majiedt home would “not be in the interest of the public or the administration of justice”.
The only good news that Magistrate Herunga had for Majiedt on Friday was that she would be transferred from the Wanaheda Police cells to the Hosea Kutako Police station “due to better facilities for female trial-awaiting prisoners”.
Upon enquiry, Majiedt’s lawyer, Bradley Basson, could not say whether Majiedt would lodge an appeal against Magistrate Herunga’s ruling.
Majiedt was arrested in Windhoek on Monday, April 4. It is alleged that she manipulated the accounting system of her former employer, AfriSam Cement, which resulted in the company losing cement valued at about N$75 million.
She was nabbed after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation at AfriSam after Majiedt had resigned.
Although the ACC has not ruled out more arrests, Majiedt remains the only person behind bars in connection with the alleged multimillion-dollar corruption.
Last week, ACC director Paulus Noa confirmed that none of Majiedt’s assets had been confiscated. Noa said it was too early to say whether this was in the cards, as the investigation had not been finalised. During Majiedt’s unsuccessful formal bail application, Justine Namukwambi, the investigating officer, testified that it would take three more months to complete the probe.
Since her arrest in April, Majiedt has spent 32 days in hospital – reportedly to have an ear infection treated, her left leg elevated and for her blood pressure to be monitored.
Public Prosecutor Hans Tourob represented the State, while Louis Botes acted on behalf of Majiedt on instruction of Basson.