WINDHOEK – A Windhoek resident was tricked into parting with N$700 in November last year, while she was mourning the death of her biological brother.
The woman who refused to be named for fear she could become a laughing stock said her brother passed away on November 30 last year, and she then placed a notice in a local daily, with her contact details. The woman received a phone call from a man who claimed he was also in tears about the death, because her brother was his friend and claimed he was in Gobabis.
The man informed the woman that his father would donate five goats to help with the funeral, but his vehicle did not have fuel and asked the woman to send him N$700 to and fetch the goats. He further informed the woman that he would send his brother to deliver the goats. It was agreed that the money would be sent via e-wallet since the banks were full Constable Cillie Auala of the City Police informed the media yesterday. The funeral came and went and there was no sign of the goats. It was only after reading the warning in the media about con artists this week, that the woman realised she has been conned and reported the matter to the City Police on Tuesday, said Auala.
“Through intelligence, we were able to trace the suspect,” said Auala. The suspect has not been arrested yet. Yesterday a man claiming to be the brother of the suspect went to the offices of the City Police and handed back the N$700. Auala said that nothing would happen to the man who brought back the N$700. A case has been opened at the Wanaheda Police Station, and police are still trying to trace the suspect, she added. Auala warned people not to publish their addresses and contact details on death notices. This week the City Police warned members of the public to be careful of scams. “Furthermore, we are urging people to report any suspicious actions to the police,” Auala informed New Era.
By Tunomukwathi Asino