BONELA finance officer detained

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday November 19, 2015 15:36

Machara is said to have spent eight days in police custody after he was arrested on November 5, 2015. The arrest came following interrogations by the police, which proved that he did not possess the right accounting certificates.

A source at BONELA offices told Mmegi that Machara’s personal file could not be located  when the police came to BONELA offices for further investigation and verification.

“Everyone is still wondering how the file could have disappeared among others at the office,” said a source. The source further said that BONELA board members have been informed about Machara’s detention while his family has engaged Sebego Attorneys to provide legal representation for him.

Confirming the incident BONELA director, Cindy Kelemi, said Machara was detained for immigration issues and has since been released. Kelemi said they are yet to know more details of his detention as immigration officers are handling the matter.

“Our finance officer was detained and released after spending eight days in police custody. We do not have details of his detention but it has to do with immigration issues. Investigations are still ongoing,” he said.

Kelemi said they expect Machara to be back at work once the investigation report from the immigration office is availed to them. She said Machara’s detention had not affected BONELA in any way. “He is supposed to be back at work today. I have not been at the office but I expect to find the investigations report at the office when I go there. I cannot imagine that any adverse situation will arise.” 

It is said that Machara joined BONELA in 2006, as a consultant seconded to BONELA by Decca Technologies before being taken on full time basis as a volunteer. In 2009, he was employed as the finance officer, a position he was holding at the time of his detention.