Former Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Salmaan Jacobs was sentenced to pay a fine of N$20,000 or serve two years' direct imprisonment after being found guilty of contravening the Anti-Corruption Act.

He appeared before the Keetmanshoop Regional Court on Friday for sentencing.

Jacobs was convicted of contravening the Anti-Corruption Act after obtaining gratification of N$30,000 by corruptly using his position and office. 

The court states that he personally received N$4 500 from that money and paid it into the Sadadi Enterprises CC, which he and his wife hold an interest in as part of the corruption arrangement, leading to charges under the Anti-Corruption Act.

The payment followed a project proposal drafted and submitted by Jacobs, in the name of Sadadi Enterprises CC, 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.

While passing sentence, Magistrate Frans Anderson stated that the court had considered Jacobs' personal circumstances, including that he is 67 years old, a first-time offender, and had suffered financial and professional losses during the lengthy court proceedings.

However, Anderson said corruption by public officials is a serious offence that cannot be tolerated.

He said the sentence therefore had to strike an appropriate balance between deterrence and mercy, ensuring that it is neither too harsh nor too lenient.