Six of the 10 suspects detained in the recent multi-million-dollar fraud committed at Bank Windhoek’s Opuwo branch last Saturday were denied bail on Friday.
They made an appearance in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court.
The six are João Josef, Lukas Ihemba, Mathias Kanyanga, Kamberuka Lukas, Daniel Goncalves, and Linyando Kandjimi. Their case along with two other suspects who were apprehended in Rundu late last week and have not yet appeared in court will be transferred to Opuwo Magistrate’s Court where the case is registered.
The accused are expected to appear in the Opuwo Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Of the 10 suspects linked to the theft case that has attracted much interest from all spheres of society, eight are from Rundu and two are from Opuwo.
Namibian law enforcement is still hot on the heels of the alleged mastermind and former bank employee, Nico Rabebe, who remains on the run.
Bank Windhoek managing director Baronice Hans on Friday clarified that the case does involve the attempted theft of N$200 million by the suspect.
“However, thanks to the bank’s robust security protocols, strong internal controls, established thresholds, and the vigilance of employees, this attempt was thwarted,” she noted.
“The actual confirmed loss to the bank amounts to just below N$2 million and could only be confirmed in the days following the incident. Given the advanced stage of the investigation, it would be unwise for Bank Windhoek to disclose further details, which could compromise the ongoing efforts of the police,” Hans explained.
According to police, Rebebe, reportedly approached the suspects with employment promises on a farm. One of the requirements was for them to open accounts with Bank Windhoek, where he would facilitate their monthly payments.
They then allegedly received various deposits, varying between N$200 000 and N$500 000.
Meanwhile, Bank Windhoek has offered a reward of N$20 000 for information that could lead to Rebebe’s arrest.