SWAKOPMUND – A false insurance claim has landed a Swakopmund resident behind bars after he was allegedly caught for filing a fake housebreaking report in an attempt to defraud a furniture shop.

The 23-year-old Namibian man was arrested on Saturday and is facing a charge of perjury. Police spokesperson inspector Serafine Kandjimi said the suspect had earlier reported a case of housebreaking in Mondesa claiming that unknown persons had broken into his house and stolen several household items.

“He, through a sworn statement said his refrigerator, a four-plate stove, a HP laptop and a microwave were stolen from his house,” Kandjimi said.
However, investigations revealed that the report was false as police found no signs of forced entry or housebreaking.

“Upon inspection of the house, there were no indications of a break-in, which raised suspicion,” Kandjimi said.

According to her, further investigations led to the recovery of some of the allegedly stolen items from a room belonging to the suspect’s aunt.

Kandjimi added that the suspect is also accused of submitting the false statement to Home Corp in order to lodge an insurance claim to the value of N$18 000.

The man is expected to appear in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court today.

Kandjimi warned members of the public against making false reports to the police or attempting to defraud insurance companies.

“Making false statements is a serious criminal offence and such matters will be thoroughly investigated,” she said.

She added that the police remain committed to upholding the law and urged the public to report crimes honestly and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.-edeklerk@nepc.com.na

Photo: Heather Erdmann