WALVIS BAY – The six suspects accused of defrauding a 72-year-old businessman of N$29.9 million allegedly used a fraudulent quota confirmation letter under the Government Employment Redress Programme to carry out their scheme.
This allegedly occurred between November 2023 and October 2024. The accused reportedly offered businessman a 40 000 metric tonne horse mackerel quota in exchange for the payment.
“The money was paid to Oranje Cultural Fishing.
Through investigations, it was discovered that proceeds of crime were disbursed from the entity’s account to individuals who are either shareholders of the company, their beneficiaries, training institutions or associates trust accounts,” information shared with New Era shows.
However, after receiving the money, the alleged mastermind failed to provide the necessary catching authorisation letter.
To legally engage in fishing, a company or individual must first obtain a quota allocated by the fisheries minister, specifying the species, quantity and timeframe for harvesting such species.
However, having a quota alone is not enough.
A catching authorisation letter from the ministry is also required to validate the quota and grant permission to fish during the designated season. Additionally, a registered fishing vessel equipped for the specific type of fishing is necessary, along with a valid fishing licence.
After repeated demands for the document went unanswered, the victim visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources offices, where he discovered the quota confirmation letter he had was fake.
Realising he had been duped, the businessman filed a case with the Walvis Bay Police in October 2024, leading to an investigation that resulted in the arrests of six suspects between 25 and 28 February 2025.
Erongo police spokesperson chief inspector Ileni Shapumba had earlier confirmed they are investigating cases of fraud, theft under false pretence, forgery, uttering and money laundering involving N$29.9 million.
“In this regard, five persons were arrested and have appeared in court. We are not prepared to share further details now. However, we will inform you when information is ready,” he said.
Suspects
Those allegedly at the centre of concocting and executing the scam are Victoria George (34), the main suspect, and Cecilia Nakale (53), a chief administration officer at the fisheries ministry.
She is one of the officials allegedly responsible for issuing licences to vessels.
The third suspect, Abisai Ilifavali Ndeunjema (34), is self-employed and represented the fishing company, while Elizabeth Kaapanda Shikongo (30) is a nurse at the Katutura Intermediate State Hospital.
Other suspects are Elizabeth Niilonga (54), a warrant officer at Oluno Correctional Services facility, who was arrested at Ondangwa, and Vitalis Iithete (50).
The latter was arrested in Lüderitz on Friday.
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi told New Era on Saturday the fraudulent transactions took place between 29 November 2023 and 10 October 2024. “So far, police have recovered N$4.9 million in cash, a white Toyota double cab, N$83 395 in cash and a safe,” she said.
Four of the accused made their first appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday last week.
Public prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the financial crime and the risk of suspects interfering with witnesses.
“These are serious allegations. The state strongly opposes bail, as it is not in the interest of justice,” she said.
Defence lawyer Kadhila Amoomo requested an urgent bail hearing, arguing that his clients would resist any delays.
He cited Nakale’s high blood pressure and George’s pregnancy as factors necessitating an expedited decision. Investigations into the case are ongoing.