Murder accused Petrus Shikwaya (22) allegedly used part of N$2.1 million fraudulently obtained from insurance company Sanlam to make substantial purchases at KFC fast-food outlets and building material suppliers, the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court heard on Friday.
Detective chief inspector Antonious Gabriel made these allegations during the hearing of Shikwaya’s bail application.
Gabriel, one of the lead investigators in the Sanlam fraud case, testified that police investigations had traced portions of the alleged stolen funds to various transactions, including purchases at fast-food restaurants and building supply businesses.
Shikwaya is facing charges linked to the murder of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda, as well as fraud charges stemming from the alleged N$2.1 million scam involving Sanlam.
The state claims Shikwaya defrauded Sanlam of about N$154 000 by faking hospitalisation due to malnutrition.
The state has opposed his release on bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the fact that investigations are still ongoing.
MURDER accused Petrus Shikwaya (22) allegedly used part of N$2.1 million fraudulently obtained from insurance company Sanlam to make substantial purchases at KFC fast-food outlets and building material suppliers, the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court heard on Friday.
Detective chief inspector Antonious Gabriel made these allegations during the hearing of Shikwaya’s bail application.
Gabriel, one of the lead investigators in the Sanlam fraud case, testified that police investigations had traced portions of the alleged stolen funds to various transactions, including purchases at fast-food restaurants and building supply businesses.
Shikwaya is facing charges linked to the murder of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda, as well as fraud charges stemming from the alleged N$2.1 million scam involving Sanlam.
The state claims Shikwaya defrauded Sanlam of about N$154 000 by faking hospitalisation due to malnutrition.
The state has opposed his release on bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the fact that investigations are still ongoing.
According to Gabriel, Shikwaya personally benefited from assets allegedly acquired using proceeds from fraud.
“The applicant benefited by receiving a silver Volkswagen Polo purchased for him by his uncle, Abner Mateus, and a farming unit near Windhoek,” Gabriel testified.
He further alleged that Shikwaya bought the farming unit from Vitalis ‘Dax’ Nepembe, and that significant amounts of money were spent at KFC outlets and on building materials.
The police arrested Nepembe about two weeks ago. He is linked to a N$385 000 transaction that forms part of an ongoing fraud case involving N$2.1 million stolen from Sanlam Namibia.
“The building materials were destined for the applicant’s uncle’s farming unit, which is located near his own property,” Gabriel told the court.
The state maintains that the funds used for these purchases originated from the money Sanlam was allegedly defrauded with.
Gabriel said some of the people who defrauded Sanlam paid a portion to Mateus, and that money was paid into Shikwaya’s account.
He said those who paid money to Mateus, who is also accused of masterminding Shiweda’s attack, are Shikwaya’s uncles, Nepembe and Abner Samuel and teacher Hendrina Shooya.
The police have accused Shikwaya of laundering money.
Apart from defrauding Sanlam and planning the attack on the late prosecutor, Mateus is also accused of defrauding a retired Namibian Defence Force colonel in 2022.
The matter was postponed to 23 and 24 July for the continuation of the bail hearing.
