Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – Naomi Fisch, the woman at the centre of drug trafficking and money laundering allegations, was granted bail by Rehoboth Magistrate Wilka Amalwa on Wednesday.
Fisch appeared alongside co-accused Steve Schneiders.
They were earlier served with a preservation order from the Office of the Prosecutor General’s Asset Forfeiture Unit. Amalwa granted bail in the amount of N$10 000 to Fisch, noting that she demonstrated on a balance of probabilities that her release would be in the interest of justice. While stressing that bail is not an entitlement, the magistrate acknowledged that the State had presented a strong case against Fisch, with sufficient evidence linking her to the alleged offences.
State prosecutor Frank Tjibeba said the State is currently reviewing the bail ruling. “All I can say at this stage is that the State is studying the bail ruling, and the court’s ruling has been noted,” Tjibeba told New Era.
Among the bail conditions, Fisch must surrender her passport and all travel documents to the investigating officer.
She may also not apply for new travel documents while the matter is pending. She is furthermore prohibited from leaving the Rehoboth District without written permission and must not interfere with State witnesses or ongoing police investigations.
Amalwa emphasised the severity of the allegations, stating that drug dealing and money laundering strike at the core of the community. At the same time, the magistrate cautioned against prolonged pre-trial detention, noting that keeping accused persons in custody without cause could amount to anticipatory punishment. “While it is sensible to consider the applicant’s previous encounters with the law, these should not overshadow the core principles of fairness and the presumption of innocence,” Amalwa said.
“The court must balance the concerns raised by the State against the fundamental rights of the applicant and determine whether there are sufficient grounds to justify withholding bail, without turning the proceedings into anticipatory punishment”, said the magistrate.
Context
On 19 December 2025, Fisch and four co-accused – Steve Schneiders, Menschel Beukes, Revilo Diergaardt and Brendon Vrieslaar – were arrested at Erf 126, Block F, Rehoboth. Police allegedly recovered N$154 069 in cash, 200 grams of cannabis valued at approximately N$10 000, and half a Mandrax tablet estimated at N$60.
Fisch made her first official court appearance on 22 December 2025. The State opposed bail, citing the risk of absconding, interference with witnesses, and the seriousness of the charges. Detective Inspector Pendukeni Nghuluwa, head of the Drug Law Subdivision in Mariental, Hardap region, detailed alleged drug operations at Fisch’s property, including multiple vehicles, visitors and hidden stashes of drugs.
During testimony last month, Fisch admitted to holding two personal savings accounts: one at First National Bank with approximately N$6 000 and another at Bank Windhoek with around N$15000. The State, however, presented evidence of a NamPost account containing N$89000 and two investment accounts of N$30000 each, which Fisch denied knowing about. Schneiders holds a NamPost account, and a separate NamPost account in the name of Fisch’s minor son was also identified in the preservation order.
The prosecution questioned the source of these funds, arguing that Fisch’s reported income from a tuck shop and a seven-seater transport business could not realistically generate such amounts. The State further contended that the accounts and other assets held by Fisch and Schneiders may be proceeds of alleged criminal activity and are subject to potential forfeiture under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The bail ruling drew visible disappointment from members of the public outside the court. Several expressed frustration and disbelief, questioning how they could further assist police in tackling alleged ongoing drug activity. Police presence around the court was heightened, with officers stationed at various points during the proceedings.
The matter was remanded to 24 June 2026 to allow police investigations to continue. Investigators are expected to finalise outstanding aspects of the docket.
-herdmann@nepc.com
Photo: Heather Erdmann