WINDHOEK – Ferries Alvelino Wallace was denied bail when he appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing a charge of fraud for allegedly swindling a man out of N$2.3 million.
Details are sketchy and investigations are at an infant stage, but New Era has learnt that Wallace allegedly committed perjury by falsifying information and withdrawing N$2.3 million from the Bank Windhoek branch at Maerua Mall from an account belonging to Jose Fernandes de Gouvera, on 18 August this year.
New Era learned that the prosecution team is refusing to divulge information for fear that investigations may be jeopardised.
Wallace faces a charge of fraud.
On Monday he was informed of the charge and his legal rights were explained to him. Wallace was informed that he could conduct his own defence or appoint a private lawyer. “The court will give you an opportunity to make the necessary arrangements should you desire legal representation and cannot afford it. You can apply to the Legal Aid Directorate for a government attorney to be appointed to act on your behalf,” Magistrate Kaulikalelwa Nghishitende informed him.
“I understand, and wish to get a private lawyer, seeing that legal aid does not have enough lawyers to help people,” Wallace said.
He added that he had N$16 000 in his personal account. “I told the investigating officer that there are no charges against me where N$16 000 was stolen but he took the money and told me that it will be part of the investigations. I wish the court to instruct the investigating officer to give back my private money in the amount of N$16 000, so that I can afford to pay my lawyer and pay the bail money as I am entitled to.”Wallace was denied bail.
The state opposed bail due to the value involved in the matter and because there are also other suspects yet to be arrested. The matter was remanded to 27 November this year for further investigations.
“Further the court has no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding this matter as such the court is not in the position to make instructions to the investigating officer regarding the money until the facts have been placed before the court,” said magistrate Nghishitende.