WALVIS BAY – An alleged fraudster, Immanuel Nowaseb, who is accused of 15 counts of fraud as well as one count of money laundering, made a raucous appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

In an attempt to hide his identity, he assaulted the journalist who was covering his case at the court. 

Nowaseb is accused of defrauding Walvis Bay businessman José Luis Bastos of N$2 million by pretending to be a Swapo politician. 

“Don’t take picture of me,” the aggressive Nowaseb (46) said before hitting the journalist with a stack of papers he used to cover his face.

Court documents indicate Nowaseb, between November 2022 and 27 January 2023, allegedly pretended to be Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, sourcing funding while campaigning during the Swapo presidential election campaign last year, in which Ndaitwah was elected as the presidential candidate of the party for 2024.

He then convinced Bastos to make a donation but that he was not being part of Ndaitwah’s campaign or instructed to do so. 

“Based on the request, Bastos paid over N$2 million to Nowaseb,” according to court documents.

Public prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya during his appearance told the court that Nowaseb faces 15 counts of fraud, alternatively money laundering. She then asked that the case be postponed to 31 May.

“We are opposing bail at this stage, as it is not in the interest of the public not the administration of justice, as the suspect has a pending case in Swakopmund. He can, however, formally apply for bail,” Shiyagaya said.

His case was then postponed to 31 May by magistrate John Sindano.

While being taken to the holding cells, the suspect admitted he stole the money.

“Yes, I took the money and I am enjoying it,” Nowaseb said before he was taken to the police cells.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na