Nurse denies involvement in Sanlam fraud scheme

Omuhongo Clinic nurse Michael Kaviyu has denied any involvement in a N$1.2 million Sanlam fraud case during his bail application on Wednesday at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court.

State prosecutor Kristiana Erastus alleged that Kaviyu facilitated the stamping of claim forms, issued coupons, and received a share of the proceeds. He disputed all the allegations.

Kaviyu also denied knowing co-accused Claudia Martin, who is alleged to have claimed about N$1.2 million from Sanlam, as well as Hendrina Shooya, accused of claiming N$31 000, and Josephina Antindi, who allegedly claimed N$55 000.

“I did not facilitate any of those claims by providing a stamp,” he told the court.

He admitted knowing co-accused Festus Amwaala, with whom he worked between 2014 and 2018, but said funds received from him were sent to pay employees at Amwaala’s village homestead.

Kaviyu added that after the death of his wife last year, Amwaala had assisted him as a “supportive friend”.

He said he is the sole breadwinner for his children and elderly mother, adding: “My children have just lost their mother, and I am their only parent. They need me out of custody so that I can support them.”

Currently on unpaid leave, Kaviyu told the court he has been suffering from a sleeping disorder since the death of his wife. He told the court he is ready to return to his nursing job and indicated that he could afford a bail amount of N$5 000.

The bail application for Kaviyu and his five co-accused continues.