MP Jay Ngwele and former Director of Public Works, Malcom Tarileo, have been charged with a total of 56 counts of misappropriation, theft, and misuse of public funds amounting to VT1.7 million.

The charges, filed in the Magistrates Court this afternoon, stem from activities in 2022 when Ngwele was Minister of Public Works. Prosecution alleged the funds were misused through improper claims for imprest and daily subsistence allowances.

Of the 56 counts, 26 are against Tarileo and 30 against Ngwele. Magistrate Florence Sam granted both men bail under strict conditions, including orders to stay away from the Ministries of Finance and Ministry of Public Works.

Prosecutor Simcha Blessing had sought their remand, arguing they could interfere with ongoing investigations, but bail was approved.

Ngwele and Tarileo are scheduled to reappear in court on 28 October.