Third gang suspect arrested

By: DENVER KISTING

A NON-STOP City Police manhunt in Windhoek led to the arrest of the third suspect of a three-man gang, of alleged cheque book fraudsters, Wednesday evening.

The suspect, apparently no stranger to brushes with the law, was caught on Wednesday. His alleged accomplices, were apprehended on Tuesday. 

It is alleged that the suspect, at times, also goes by an alias.

The trio stand accused of having committed cheque book fraud to the tune of close to N$24 000 in Windhoek the past week.

Meanwhile, it emerged that the vehicle used in Tuesday’s alleged theft operation is known for being employed by criminals in the capital.

Johan Kellerman, the City Police’s acting deputy chief said on Wednesday that two men approached Namibia Paints & Tools (NPT) for a quote for high quality DIY equipment – a tool box, tool trolley and welding machine.

According to Kellerman the two men aroused suspicion with the way they were dressed – apparently in contrast to the average customer.

The alleged fraudsters’ plans were also spoilt by the fact that NPT’s owner knew a manager who works for the company on whose behalf the men alleged to be asking the quotation for. It emerged that this company knew nothing about requesting such a quote.

NPT decided to inform the City Police about their suspicions. A busting operation was organised.

Two men arrived to pick up the goods later the afternoon, presenting a deposit slip indicating that the amount – N$23 888,61 – had been paid into NPT’s bank account by cheque.

According to Kellerman it subsequently emerged that the cheque was from a stolen cheque book. The two men were arrested on the spot.

He said the white Toyota bakkie, allegedly used by the men on Tuesday, has been used to execute other criminal activities in Windhoek.

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