Windhoek
A man brought before the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last month for allegedly faking his own death and then applying for the money from a life insurance policy to be paid out, was granted bail on Monday.
Had the insurance company processed the claim it would have lost a whopping N$3.3 million.
Patrick Inghepa Waandja, 30, now faces charges of fraud and forgery, alternatively uttering a forged instrument, following his arrest on March 4.
He was granted bail on Monday during his second appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court after the State indicated they no longer objected to him being granted bail.
Prosecutor Rowan van Wyk informed Magistrate Ilge Rheent that “at this juncture the State lifts its objection to bail and recommend bail of N$5 000.”
“I spoke to the investigating officer. It is not an actual loss, but a potential loss of around N$3.3 million.
Waandja was granted bail on the following conditions: that he report every Monday between 07h00 and 19h00 at Kleine Kuppe police sub-station and he should not leave the district of Windhoek without informing the investigating officer in the matter.
New Era could not establish all the details of the case, as State prosecutors refused this week to discuss the matter on the grounds that investigations are at a sensitive stage.
Van Wyk asked that the case be remanded to May 24 for further police investigations and legal representation, as there are still statements outstanding.
Sources close to the investigation said it has not yet been confirmed whether Waandja actually received the money he applied for, but it is understood that he submitted a claim for the money.
During his first court appearance last month Waandja was denied bail. Magistrate Rheent then explained to Waandja that he could bring a formal bail application.
His rights were also explained to him and he informed the court that he would hire a private lawyer. He said he intends to plead not guilty.
“Please, keep in mind that whatever you say at those proceedings may be used against you during the trial, so please be careful of what you say. You are not compelled to say anything, but in order to assess your personal circumstances and to consider your release, the court may ask you questions which you may refuse to answer.
“No negative inference will be drawn from your refusal to answer questions or your decision to keep quiet,” the magistrate explained at the time.