OSHAKATI – Oshakati residents are apparently abusing funeral policies by using them as a get-rich-quick scheme for people they are not even related to. As such, death claims have become a sought-after document for those looking to make a quick buck. The allegation is that a number of Oshakati residents have a tendency to cover neighbours or acquaintances by acquiring their identity documents through dubious means.
This practice has become more widespread as funeral insurance policies do not require blood tests or medical examinations, and are designed to pay out quickly with minimum hassle. Now, dishonest individuals are trying their luck in this space. A young lady from Oshakati, Aina Nangombe Maati, claims she is the latest victim after allegedly being scammed by her neighbour, Ndina Namukwambi.
“I am covered in different insurance companies by strangers, but none of my family covered me for funeral,” said Maati, who said she confirmed with Metropolitan Insurance compony that she is covered with N$100 000 funeral policy by a certain Jacky Mekondjo. At Old Mutual, she is covered with N$50 000 by a certain Fillemon Ludwig. Maati said she could not confirm with all insurance companies, as she was very disappointed and drained, but said she is sure there are more funeral policies taken out for her elsewhere. “Last year August, I was diagnosed with cancer cells. Because of fear, my high blood pressure was changing every hour, so I was told to record myself every day at home,” Maati explained. She went on to say because she was given permission to make a home test of her blood pressure, she asked Ndina ‘Nakuti’ Namukwambi’s mother, a retired nurse, for assistance.
“As I am speaking now, I am cancer free after being treated, and I did not tell
anyone expect my family members. It started when Nakuti asked for my ID, she apparently got for me a job at one of the stores. Since I was desperate for work, I did not hesitate to give my ID,” she added.
Maati said the story came to light a few months ago when neighbours started asking her if she felt better after she was diagnosed with cancer. She revealed that one of Nakuti’s close friends shed light on the funeral cover debacle.
“That is why I went to confirm with Metropolitan and Old Mutual, and none of my relatives covered me,’’ she said. Maati has since opened a case of fraud with the Namibian Police on the matter.
Right of reply
In an interview with New Era, Nakuti refuted claims that she shared Maati’s ID with anyone. “She has been begging me to look for a job; she is the one who asked me to go get it from her house,’’ said Nakuti.
New Era has since confirmed with Metropolitan and Old Mutual that Maati is covered by Mekondjo and Ludwig, although the former denied taking out the cover.
“Why would I cover her? I cannot do such a thing. Is Aina aware that she can be sued for defamation of character?” she asked. Meanwhile, Oshakati Metropolitan administrative and marketing manager Mathew Negumbo said he cannot comment on the matter. Attempts to get comment from Metropolitan and Old Mutual’s
public relations officers proved futile. An employee from Old Mutual noted that it is illegal to cover someone without their knowledge. “One can simply open a case,’’ he said.
An employee from Sanlam said
taking out a policy against someone’s knowledge is wrong. “I have noticed that most of the people are doing business through this, which is dangerous; you can be poisoned for them to claim,’’ she said. “Take care of your documents. People are busy stealing information, especially if they hear you are ill,” the Sanlam employee advised.
In general, many Namibians look after extended families, so taking out funeral policies for loved ones is a good idea to avoid having to turn to loans to pay for burial services and related costs.