Fraud suspect’s bail reduced

FRAUD suspect Tommy Coleman, accused of stealing more than N$700 000 from the Keetmanshoop municipality, on Wednesday succeeded with an application to have his bail of N$50 000 reduced to N$15 000.

Coleman, an employee of the municipality, allegedly siphoned off the money between January and July. It is alleged that he withheld cash when making the municipality’s bank deposits and only deposited cheques.At Wednesday’s hearing in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Philanda Blockstein-Christiaan reduced Coleman’s bail, saying continuous detention of the suspect would be against his right to freedom because he remained innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.Blockstein-Christiaan said the chances of Coleman interfering with the Police investigation of his case was minimal because the Police had taken almost all the necessary witness statements.Coleman’s bail conditions remain unchanged.He had to hand in his firearm to the investigator and may not interfere with the Police investigation or contact any State witness.He may also not enter the municipal office where he works.Coleman yesterday testified that the initial bail amount was exorbitant, and he could not afford to pay it.The investigator, Sergeant Theodore Kotungondo, did not openly oppose the bail reduction, but expressed concern that Coleman might interfere with the investigation.He said the investigation was far from completion and more arrests might follow.Two other suspects, Reanette April, Coleman’s former girlfriend, and Hendrik Veldskoen, a friend of Coleman’s, were also arrested in connection with the fraud case.Both are free on bail of N$10 000.Coleman conducted his own defence.State Prosecutor Billy Lutaka prosecuted.It is alleged that he withheld cash when making the municipality’s bank deposits and only deposited cheques.At Wednesday’s hearing in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Philanda Blockstein-Christiaan reduced Coleman’s bail, saying continuous detention of the suspect would be against his right to freedom because he remained innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.Blockstein-Christiaan said the chances of Coleman interfering with the Police investigation of his case was minimal because the Police had taken almost all the necessary witness statements.Coleman’s bail conditions remain unchanged.He had to hand in his firearm to the investigator and may not interfere with the Police investigation or contact any State witness.He may also not enter the municipal office where he works.Coleman yesterday testified that the initial bail amount was exorbitant, and he could not afford to pay it.The investigator, Sergeant Theodore Kotungondo, did not openly oppose the bail reduction, but expressed concern that Coleman might interfere with the investigation.He said the investigation was far from completion and more arrests might follow.Two other suspects, Reanette April, Coleman’s former girlfriend, and Hendrik Veldskoen, a friend of Coleman’s, were also arrested in connection with the fraud case.Both are free on bail of N$10 000.Coleman conducted his own defence.State Prosecutor Billy Lutaka prosecuted.