Doctor admits receiving N$50 000 in Sanlam fraud case

A doctor accused of being involved in a multimillion-dollar fraud Sanlam scheme admitted on Monday that he received N$50 000 from a co-accused and signed medical documents for a patient he had never examined, insisting he believed the paperwork was genuine.

Dr Carlos Gomes Varela (49) made the admission while testifying in his bail application in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court.

He faces charges linked to the alleged falsification of medical records used in the suspected fraud.

Varela told the court he does not know Claudia Martin, the woman whose claim allegedly resulted in a payout of N$1 million, and denied receiving any money linked to the scheme.

“I do not know Claudia Martin. I have never seen her in person,” Varela testified. “However, I have seen a document bearing her name, which was brought to me by my colleague, Albertina Iipinge, who requested a second opinion.”

He said he signed the document because it appeared authentic and carried official stamps.

When questioned by his lawyer, Maria Amupolo, about how he could assess and sign documents without examining the patient, Varela said he believed the paperwork was legitimate.

“I signed the document because I was the head of the hospital department,” he told the court.

Happy holidays

Varela further acknowledged that N$50 000 was deposited into his bank account by Albertina Iipinge, a co-accused in the case.

However, he maintained that she never explained the purpose of the payment.

“She only wished me to ‘Enjoy, have a good holiday, and enjoy Christmas’,” he said.

The surgeon told the court he holds seven qualifications, including a PhD in surgery, specialist qualifications in surgery, a master's degree and postgraduate qualifications, as well as certifications in trauma and life support.

He said he has worked at Onandjokwe Hospital for four years without any disciplinary or criminal incidents.

“I want my name to be cleared so I can continue to save lives,” he said.

Addressing allegations that he posed a flight risk, Varela denied any intention to abscond. He explained that he had travelled to the Kavango region to spend a weekend with friends and was carrying only a small bag, drinks and a camping chair when he was arrested.

He told the court that the only co-accused he knows is fellow medical practitioner Kelsey Kudumo, whom he supervised during her internship. He said he has had no interaction with another accused, Festus Amwaala, because they work in different sections of the hospital.

In support of his bail application, Varela said he is married and has two children, including a first-year student at the University of Namibia in Windhoek. He added that his wife is unemployed and depends on him financially, while his younger child lives with his mother in Malawi.

Declining health

Varela also raised concerns about his health, telling the court that he has diabetes and high blood pressure and that his condition has deteriorated while in custody.

“I could be found dead in my cell or suffer a stroke due to my condition,” he testified.

He said his health has declined because he is unable to follow the specialised diet recommended for his condition, noting that meals often consist of bread, which he is advised not to eat due to his diabetes.

“I have to eat it because I’m hungry, but my condition worsens every day,” he said.

If granted bail, Varela assured the court that he would remain in Namibia and attend all court proceedings.

Varela told the court he could afford bail of N$15 000, although his salary has been frozen since his detention.