Net widens in N$30m 'college loan' saga

Prosecutors anticipate more arrests in addition to the five people implicated in defrauding a local fishing company under the guise of financing a training institute to the tune of nearly N$30 million, four of whom made their first appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The fifth person was arrested at Ondangwa, where she made a first appearance before being transferred to Walvis Bay.Victoria George (34), Abisai Ndeunjema (34), Cecilia Nakale (52) and Elizabeth Shikongo (30) appeared on charges of fraud, forgery, uttering a forged instrument and money laundering – disguising the unlawful origin of property – under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).Ndeunjema is allegedly a son of Nakale, who is a chief administrative officer in the ministry of fisheries, assigned to the department of fisheries administration. Namibian Sun understands that the fifth accused, a correctional officer whose name could not be established at the time of going to print, was arrested at Ondangwa after a warrant of arrest was issued. She appeared in the town's magistrate's court on Wednesday before she was transferred to Walvis Bay. Her next court appearance is slated for 11 March.Police investigation It is alleged that the accused had a hand in facilitating a payment of N$30 million to a nursing school, Lancaster Training Institute, which was established in 2022 but is not accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). The institute is believed to be a briefcase company allegedly used as a conduit for money laundering.The loans were reportedly secured from local fishing company Oranje Cultural Fishing (Pty) Ltd, where Ndeunjema serves as a director.It is alleged that Ndeunjema disbursed the funds to the unaccredited school behind the backs of the company's other directors. Shikongo, a trained nurse who allegedly established the school, represented Lancaster in securing the loan. Namibian Sun has seen the debt acknowledgement letter, signed by Ndeunjema and Shikongo, in which the latter confirmed borrowing about N$30 million from the fishing company.As reported by Namibian Sun yesterday, investigations by the Namibian Police allegedly uncovered that the money was misused for personal expenses, including purchasing a N$1.7 million house in Windhoek and luxury vehicles.Health concerns Appearing before Magistrate Vicky Nicolaidis, State prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya opposed bail, informing the court that investigations are still ongoing.“Other suspects might still be charged. The State opposes bail based on the seriousness of the allegation that they defrauded the complainant to the tune of N$29.9 million. There is a fear of abscondment in respect of Victoria George and Abisai Ndeunjema. Additionally, it is not in the interest of the public or the administration of justice that the accused be granted bail,” she said.A formal bail application hearing has been set for 11 and 12 March.Representing the accused, lawyer Kadhila Amoomo said they would resist any attempt by the State to change the date of the formal bail application or postpone it.“This is two weeks from now, which gives the State enough time to get its house in order. Secondly, accused Victoria George is five months pregnant, which underscores the urgency of the bail application in the interest of the unborn child.”Amoomo added that Nakale also suffers from high blood pressure.Media reports Furthermore, Amoomo, in reference to a Namibian Sun article published on Thursday, said it is concerning that "unmitigated reports", in which details of the allegations are contained, impact the possibility of his clients getting a fair trial."This article, the one published today, has gone into the merits of the case even before the matter has appeared in court.”“They have reported as if a witness has testified and made allegations regarding how the money was spent and the alleged heist of N$30 million. It is important that the State and media guard against the sensationalism of media reports," he told the court. Namibian Sun quoted highly placed police sources involved in investigating the accused persons. The newspaper is also in possession of critical documents related to the matter.Speaking to the media after the court adjourned, Amoomo added that the accused persons have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.The accused were all remanded in custody.

Net widens in N$30m 'college loan' saga

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-28

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Net widens in N$30m 'college loan' saga

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-28

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