‘Ben 10’ scam leaves pensioner N$20 000 poorer

Namibia Post Limited (NamPost) says the company has launched an investigation into the alleged defrauding of a pensioner by employees from January to July.

It is alleged that pensioner Petrina Sikela (75), who lives in Windhoek’s Single Quarters, was defrauded of an estimated N$20 000.

The matter was brought to light by social activist Shaun Gariseb last week. Gariseb told The Namibian that the alleged fraudsters added five beneficiaries without Sikela’s knowledge and 12 withdrawals have been made since January.

Furthermore, Gariseb stated that about N$280 per month has been deducted as funeral cover for unknown persons since 25 July without Sikela’s consent.

“They also lied that ouma (granny) is married to a ‘Ben 10’ (younger man). Ouma is 75 years of age; her ‘supposed’ husband is 43 years of age. It doesn’t add up. Ben 10 started withdrawing ouma’s money in January 2025 maybe thinking ouma is dead. After ouma realised this, for five months she kept it to herself, frustrated and depressed, wanting to end her life,” he said.

He said Sikela only confided in church leaders and a choir mate at Bethel Church who then informed him.

Gariseb said on 10 June, he informed NamPost, but they only stopped access to the card and provided a new card to the pensioner.

Until now, Gariseb said, NamPost has not changed the falsified beneficiaries and the fake ‘Ben 10’ is still recorded as Sikela’s husband.

“When we went there on 23 July, we saw no internal investigation was launched or noted. Our biggest concern is how many unsuspecting other pensioners are victims of such chicanery and theft. NamPost needs to answer and we have to elevate this to the ministerial level to protect our pensioners,” Gariseb said.

If the withdrawals were not brazenly done, he added, the pensioner would have just thought it was money deducted for loans imposed upon by NamPost.

“We have the names and numbers of the people and will make sure they are locked up for defrauding vulnerable citizens like ouma Petrina. We just need to find out the insiders in NamPost who are behind this,” he said.

NAMPOST INVESTIGATING

Responding to questions sent by The Namibian yesterday, NamPost spokesperson Gladwin Groenewaldt confirmed that NamPost has launched an investigation into the matter.

“We have taken note of the serious allegations circulating on social media concerning an alleged fraud case involving a pensioner. NamPost hereby wishes to assure the public that we take these allegations very seriously.

“Upon becoming aware of the matter, NamPost immediately launched an urgent internal investigation to assess the facts and determine the full extent of the situation,” said Groenewaldt.

He said they are currently engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and accountable process.

Groenewaldt stated that they recognise the disturbing nature of the claims, particularly those suggesting fraudulent additions of beneficiaries, unauthorised monthly deductions, and potential abuse of the procuratorship system.

He emphasised that the protection of all clients, especially elderly and vulnerable clients, is non-negotiable, and any breach of that trust will be addressed with full consequences.

“We urge any customer who believes they may have been affected by similar action to contact us at ContactNSB@nampost.com.na or our tipoff whistleblower helpline at +264 800 010 999 (toll-free),” he urged, while affirming that NamPost remains committed to upholding the integrity of its services and protecting the dignity of every client they serve.

The company is calling for patience and understanding by the public as they work to resolve the matter swiftly.

Meanwhile, Gariseb revealed that they have secured legal representation for the pensioner through lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, pro bono, to help Sikela and by extension all pensioners.

Gariseb added that they are going to use Sikela’s case to fight for all pensioners.

He said such fraud cases could be the reason some pensioners take their own lives as the people entrusted to protect them are the ones defrauding them.

“How do you sleep knowing you robbed pensioners?’’ he asked.

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