TWO more arrests in Rundu yesterday now bring to 10 the number of suspects already detained in the multi-million-dollar fraud committed at Bank Windhoek’s Opuwo branch last Saturday.
This comes as Namibian law enforcement agents have been hot on the heels of former bank employee, Nico Rabebe, the alleged mastermind in the case, who remains on the run.
Of the 10, eight suspects from Rundu and two from Opuwo have been linked to the theft that authorities initially reported to involve N$200 million.
However, Bank Windhoek managing director, Baronice Hans has said that only about N$2 million was involved.
“The potential loss is less than N$2 million thanks to vigilant staff action and robust systems and controls within Bank Windhoek.
No customer funds have been affected in any way by this incident,” Hans said earlier this week.
Contacted yesterday for clarification on the exact amount of money involved, Bank Windhoek spokesperson, Samuel Linyondi said the bank stands by its previous statement and will not comment until investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, New Era yesterday confirmed the latest two arrests with Kavango East acting regional commander Eino Nambahu.
“The two who were remaining from Rundu are now in police custody.
This brings the total apprehended in Kavango East to eight. One of the suspects was caught trying to withdraw money from the Rundu Bank Windhoek branch in the morning, while the other was found at a different location,” Nambahu stated. According to the update from the police, the first suspect was arrested in the early morning at the Bank Windhoek branch in Rundu while trying to withdraw cash over the counter. The other suspect was arrested at his residence in the Kaisosi neighbourhood just before lunch.
All suspects are expected to make their first court appearance today before being transported to Kunene region where the case was registered.
According to police, Rebebe, reportedly approached the suspects with employment promises on a farm. One of the requirements was for them to open accounts with Bank Windhoek, where he would facilitate their monthly payments.
They then allegedly received various deposits, varying between N$200 000 and N$500 000.
Meanwhile, Bank Windhoek has offered a reward of N$20 000 for information that could lead to Rebebe’s arrest.