WINDHOEK – Lawyer Werner van Rensburg who is contracted by Congolese Army General Francois Olenga to represent him in the criminal case against Swakopmund-based estate agent Erwin Spranger, revealed to New Era that Spranger asked him to falsely testify that Olenga was given an antique Chinese vase as compensation for the US$850 000 Olenga is allegedly owed by Spranger.
“I was utterly shocked and disgusted that he could ask me, an officer of the court, to do such a dishonest thing,” Van Rensburg said.
He said Spranger further offered him money to lie to the court, but that he rejected it right away.
According to Van Rensburg, the estate agent wanted him to confirm a story the Congolese was given an antique Chinese vase as compensation for over N$9 million the Congolese Army chief gave Spranger to develop two erven in Swakopmund.
An investigation has been launched into the whereabouts of the money that was deposited by an investment firm – Breadfield – with real estate firm Kintscher Estates, Agents and Auctioneers, for whom Spranger worked as an estate agent on instructions from the general.
It is speculated the investigation will reveal Spranger used the funds to speculate on the real estate market, Van Rensburg told New Era.
Van Rensburg also said he believes the prosecutor general is in the process of drafting papers to apply for a preservation order to stop Spranger from getting rid of his assets.
He said while he has nothing to do with the civil suit the army commander lodged against Spranger in the High Court, he will not rest until “we received every cent of the general”.
He said the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) makes provision for an aggrieved person to be refunded assets lost in fraudulent schemes even if the culprit is sent to jail.
“POCA makes provision for stolen money to be channelled to the rightful owner,” Van Rensburg stated.
He further rubbished rumours the money were proceeds of illegal activities on the part of the army general.
“The general was an astute and successful businessman before he was asked by the President to take control of the (Congolese) army,” stated Van Rensburg.
“These rumours are from persons with an agenda,” he further said without going into detail.
“Every person on this earth has the right to invest his money wherever he chooses without it being stolen,” he said.
That in itself will be a huge shame on a country if no redress is available, he continued.
According to Van Rensburg a criminal offence was committed without a doubt.
“If you exchange your money for only a claim based on an intentional misrepresentation, its constitutes fraud which is a criminal offence,” he concluded.
Spranger will make a next appearance in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court on a charge of fraud on February 10.
By Roland Routh