Windhoek
The man who is accused of defrauding a Windhoek car dealer of more than N$270 000 was granted bail of N$30 000 in the Windhoek Magistrate Court this week.
Issy Thinus Kataumba was arrested for buying an Isuzu from Auas Motors with a fake cheque of N$274 809.75. The vehicle that he bought has since been recovered.
According to court documents, on July 17 Kataumba “falsely and with intent to defraud gave out and pretended to Heico Prinsloo that a certain cheque in the amount of N$274 809.75, payable to Auas Motors, was a good and available cheque and would be met on presentation.”
Kataumba was arrested recently in Keetmanshoop after a warrant for his arrested was issued and brought before the local magistrate. His case was then transferred to Windhoek.
His rights to legal representation were explained to him and Kataumba informed the court this week that he will hire a private lawyer. The matter was then remanded to November 27 for further investigations and for legal representation.
Prosecutor Erastus Hatutale informed the court that the State does not object to bail being granted, because the vehicle was recovered. He recommended bail of N$40 000, on conditions that thre suspect must report to the Windhoek Commercial Crime Unit every Monday and Friday between the hours of 08h00 and 20h00.
Kataumba complained that the bail amount was very high. “I even returned the car. I will also report myself twice a week. I am in custody,” he told the court.
He asked to be released so that he can go and sell his cattle to come and pay bail: “I have to sell the cattle to pay the bail amount. I am a sick person. I have diabetes and gout and my feet are swollen. It’s just me and my kids at home. My wife passed away,” he said.
Magistrate Jermaine Muchali replied that “The value involved is N$274 809.75 and that is a very high amount. The value involved plays a role in the bail amount to be granted,” Muchali said. He added that the nature of the offence is fraud, which is a serious crime.
“However, considering that you have health issues with diabetes and gout, you are [considered] innocent until proven guilty. Bail is not anticipatory punishment, so bail will be set at N$30 000,” Muchali said.