RA probes theft of 30 more laptops
At Least 30 brand new HP laptops were stolen from the Roads Authority (RA) head office last month.
At Least 30 brand new HP laptops were stolen from the Roads Authority (RA) head office last month.
RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon confirmed the incident to The Namibian last week.
It is alleged that the laptops were from the authority’s ICT department and were recently bought for the company to replace previously stolen laptops.
This follows another burglary in April, in which eight laptops were also stolen from the procurement management unit situated on the fourth floor.
Some of the allegations are that surveillance cameras appear to have been tampered with.
Although RA did not confirm the specific security-related details, Fillemon says investigations are ongoing and that disclosing information may jeopardise the investigation.
“The Roads Authority (RA) confirms that a security incident involving its ICT Business Unit occurred during the period in question.
Given that the matter remains under investigation, the RA is not in a position to disclose or verify any further details at this stage,” she says.
“The matter was duly reported to the Namibian Police and is currently the subject of an active investigation.
Fillemon also dismisses claims that management has attempted to conceal the theft.
“The RA rejects any suggestion that management has attempted to conceal the incident, obstruct the investigation, or prevent lawful communication on the matter,” she says.
She says the company must first establish the facts when responding to an incident of this magnitude, secure the affected premises and equipment, report the matter to the appropriate authorities, and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
PREVIOUS INCIDENT
The Roads Authority opened a case of theft following a break-in at its head office in Windhoek, which resulted in the theft of seven laptops in April.
The suspects allegedly gained entry by climbing through balcony rails, proceeded to the fourth floor, and stole laptops from the procurement management unit.
The thieves also went to the fifth floor, where they attempted to break into the offices of the senior manager for internal audit and the legal adviser.
The break-in comes amid past concerns around governance and security concerns at the RA. The RA case is not isolated.
Another parastatal, TransNamib also opened a case of theft in June following a break-in at its chief executive’s office in Windhoek.
Sources claim several laptops were stolen during the break-in, including electronic devices allegedly containing information on investigations into irregularities involving some executives.
