This charge is malicious,” says Cedric Willemse in N$20.7m tax fraud case
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Former Namcor executive Cedric Willemse is fighting back in court, calling the tax fraud charge against him “malicious” and unjustified. He told the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court that he had been in ongoing discussions with the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) about his tax affairs, and even filed a formal objection to a tax assessment in 2023. According to Willemse, Namra acknowledged the objection and it’s still pending, making the sudden criminal charge for failing to pay over N$20 million in tax both surprising and, in his view, unfair.
What are the Charges?
The charge relates to unpaid taxes on income of N$61.2 million over the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. Willemse, who says his finances were handled by his now ex-wife until their divorce and further complicated by his battle with Covid-19, insists his tax affairs only fell behind due to personal hardship.
But tax is just one part of a broader case.
Willemse is facing a total of 10 charges, including allegations of fraud and corruption during his time at Namcor. The state alleges he received questionable payments from companies like Enercon Namibia and Erongo Petroleum, companies that did business with Namcor. These include millions of dollars in payments allegedly made in exchange for improper benefits.
Willemse, however, says all the money he received was legitimate, especially payments from a business called Quality Meat Supplies, which he claims bought meat from his farm. He says he met the company’s owner through a business connection and had a straightforward meat-supply agreement.
With his bail hearing still underway, Willemse says he can raise up to N$20,000 with help from friends and family. “My life is falling apart,” he told the court. “What if I’m found not guilty? I’m sitting with a lot of hardships due to this incarceration.”
The hearing continues.
Why this matters
For accountants, these kinds of state‑enterprise corruption cases show what happens when internal controls, procurement, supply‑chain oversight and tax compliance are weak.
If you serve clients who deal with government contracts, state‑owned enterprises or supply chains in Namibia or similar jurisdictions, the Willemse case is a reminder to ask: Are transactions with related parties properly documented? Are tax objections and assessments being resolved cleanly?
For reputation and risk, these are not minor infractions. The alleged sums are large, and involvement with a state‑owned entity raises visibility and risk of major legal/regulatory fallout.
Source Article: The Namibian
