The bail hearing of four accused linked to the alleged theft of N$1.9 million from Sanlam was postponed yesterday due to no magistrate being available.
The accused, Onandjokwe State Hospital medical doctor Valera Gomes, Onandjokwe intern doctor Kesley Kudumo, Onandjokwe former nurse Festus Hamwaalwa and alleged Namibia University of Science and Technology student Michael Kaviu, appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Public prosecutor Erastus Christiana told the court that proceedings could not continue after the magistrate previously assigned to the matter recused themself.
“The matter is before court today for the purpose of a bail application. However, we are not in a position to proceed since the previous magistrate recused themself from the matter,” he said.
Christiana said although a replacement magistrate has been sourced, none has been officially assigned.
The court expects a new magistrate to take over during the week of 18 to 22 May, when the bail hearing is scheduled to commence.
Christiana further said the state has added new charges and may introduce additional ones as investigations continue.
The four accused are part of a group of 13 individuals allegedly involved in defrauding Sanlam.
They face charges including corruption, fraud, and theft.
The suspects were arrested in March, and the matter was postponed to mid-May for bail proceedings.
Among others implicated in the scheme are Ondangwa-based medical doctor Fillemon Nakanduungile, ex-police officer Abner Mateus, and his nephew Petrus Shikwaya, who are also linked to the murder of public prosecutor Justine Shiweda at Ondangwa last year.
According to earlier reporting by The Namibian, Gomes faces charges of fraud under the doctrine of common purpose, as well as violations of the Anti-Corruption Act.
Investigations further allege that Claudia Martin fraudulently claimed approximately N$1.2 million from Sanlam.
The police say Martin is linked to Mateus, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack on Shiweda.
The authorities claim N$200 000 of the N$1.2 million was transferred to Nakanduungile’s personal account.
Of that amount, N$80 000 was allegedly deposited into a First National Bank account belonging to Nakanduungile’s daughter (3).
A further N$400 000 was allegedly transferred to Mateus’ brother, Israel Shikongo, while N$190 000 reportedly remained with Martin.
The police also allege that N$400 000, possibly originating from Shikongo, was paid to a Windhoek-based doctor associated with a building where Nakanduungile previously operated his medical practice from.
Mateus is further accused of fraudulently claiming N$125 000 after allegedly staging a false hospitalisation at Onandjokwe State Hospital.
His co-accused, Shikwaya (21), allegedly claimed N$154 000 under similar circumstances.
However, Shikwaya has denied any knowledge of the claim during his bail hearing at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court this week.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
