WINDHOEK – On Monday, when Rachel Banks went to book for a learners licensing test at NaTIS, she was told she will be writing her driving test today (Thursday).
However, later on Monday a mysterious character identifying himself as “John” phoned her on her mobile phone saying he could speed up the process and ensure she gets her driving licence without having to sit for a driving test. He told her he would process her learner’s licence if she gave him N$3 800.
After ignoring countless mystrious calls from “John”, she received a call from a woman that seemed in cahoots with “John” that was asking whether she was sure she did not want to give the money to get the licence.
Later the two mysterious characters sent her some SMSes making similar demands.
New Era is in possession of text messages exchanged between the trio in which the two suspected fraudsters insisted on meeting her inside a bank so that she could withdraw and give them the money.
But later they told her to deposit the money in a NamPost account to which they texted her the acccount name Sheya Gerson with the account number 3421021-5.
“I jst want to know if u r coming or nt,” read one of the suspected conman’s messages, while another read: “madam let me know so tht I must my colleque to process your things.”
Knowledgeable sources say often criminals trick unsuspecting people claiming they work for NaTIS and ask for bribes so that they could facilitate and expedite the issuance of driving licences and some people have fallen for this.
City Police officials say it is common that criminals use Nampost accounts to get these illegal payments after which they disappear into thin air.
Anti-Corruption Commission sources said it is hard to get those within NaTIS at times since they use outsiders to collect money and do their dirty work.
By Rochelle Neidel