Six individuals accused of defrauding a local businessman of over N$29 million were each granted bail of N$100 000 in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Only N$4 million of that money has been recovered to date.
The six, which includes Victoria George (34), Abisai Ndeunyema (34), Cecilia Nakale (53), Elizabeth Shikongo (30), Vitalis Ithete (50), and Elizabeth Niilonga (54), appeared for the bail hearing which started on Monday.
Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo represented accused one, four and six, while Joseph Andreas represented accused two and three, and Peter Greyling accused five.
State prosecutor Maggy Shiyangaya, who initially hesitated to consent to bail due to the severity of the charges and the substantial amount involved, eventually reconsidered, given the urgency of the matter and concerns raised by the accused’s legal teams.
The bail was given with strict conditions attached. The accused must report to their respective police stations every Thursday between 07h00 and 19h00; are required to surrender all travel documents, including passports; and they are prohibited from interfering with police investigations or any state witnesses, directly or indirectly.
The court also cautioned that failure to comply with these conditions could result in arrest warrants being issued and bail being provisionally cancelled, with the bail money forfeited to the state.
The state also raised concerns regarding a recent attempt by a man named Johannes Lucas to contact the complainant in an apparent effort to persuade him to withdraw the case. The court stressed that no direct or indirect communication with the complainant or witnesses would be tolerated, even through third parties.
The matter was postponed to 15 September for further investigation.
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