WINDHOEK – Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi yesterday warned the public to be on the lookout for criminals impersonating investigating officers of the Namibian Police. They act as messengers of arrested individuals in holding cells, who purportedly need to get in touch with their families to arrange bail money. Five suspects have already been apprehended concerning these criminal activities with the latest one being nabbed on Saturday in Windhoek.
“There is a new trick used by criminals who acquire personal information of prisoners and use such information to contact the prisoners’ family with the so-called intention to arrange for their bail money,” said Shikwambi, adding that bail money or any other payment must be made over the counter at a police station and valid receipts must be issued. She appealed to the public to verify or visit police stations and confirm who the investigating officers are and whether any bail is granted to the prisoners before committing any money.
The suspect who swindled unsuspecting family members of a prisoner out of N$1 000 will make a first appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court today. Shikwambi said the suspect would be charged with interfering or obstructing a police investigation, impersonating a police officer and theft by false pretences.
Shikwambi also warned the public to be aware of other financial fraud crimes. She said the police continue to receive several enquiries on scams that are carried out via the Internet, mobile devices and/or cellphones. Shikwambi stressed that the police have on different occasions warned the public, but it seems these warnings go unheeded. “So once again, the Namibian Police Force would like to warn all members of the public to be very careful before engaging in any deals, signing off documents or transferring any money via electronic gadgets,” she said, adding: “Please be warned. Together we can curb this fast growing crime.”
By Roland Routh