Public outrage over alleged NamPost pensionior scam
Elderly woman contemplated taking own life, activist says
NamPost has come under fire after a pensioner allegedly lost N$20 000 in a scam.
A 75-year-old woman from Windhoek’s Single Quarters has become the latest face of alleged pensioner exploitation after reportedly falling victim to a scheme allegedly involving her Namibia Post Limited (NamPost) account.
The case has triggered public outrage and a demand for ministerial intervention.
'Ouma' Petrina Sikela was allegedly defrauded of close to N$20 000 over several months, after five unknown beneficiaries were added to her pension-linked funeral policy, allegedly without her knowledge or consent.
Records at NamPost reportedly falsely list a 43-year-old man as her husband, a so-called 'Ben 10', who allegedly began withdrawing Sikela’s remaining pension funds in January.
"This is fraud and theft against a vulnerable elderly woman who entrusted the system with her survival," said social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, who brought the alleged scheme to the attention of the media.
“When Ouma discovered the irregularities, she became so distraught that she contemplated taking her own life. She was too ashamed to tell anyone until she confided in a fellow church member," he added.
NamPost has since issued a media statement acknowledging the allegations and confirming that it has launched an internal investigation.
Without knowledge
According to documentation seen by Namibian Sun, monthly deductions of N$280 were siphoned off Ouma’s pension since 25 July 2019.
When she eventually queried her account on 10 June this year, NamPost confirmed that policies had been activated in her name, with her thumbprint allegedly used as consent, and that an unknown person had been withdrawing her remaining funds for five consecutive months.
“She was misrepresented as married to a man 32 years her junior, and all this was done without her knowledge,” said Gariseb. “Even after we reported it to NamPost, only the card access was frozen, and the PIN was changed. The fraudulent beneficiaries are still listed on her account. There has been no internal investigation recorded when we followed up on 23 July.”
NamPost responds
Gladwin Groenewaldt, NamPost’s manager for marketing and corporate communications, in a statement dated 28 July, said: “We recognise the disturbing nature of the claims, particularly those suggesting fraudulent additions of beneficiaries, unauthorised deductions and potential abuse of the procuratorship system. The protection of elderly and vulnerable clients is non-negotiable.”
Groenewaldt encouraged affected individuals to contact NamPost’s tip-off hotline or email, assuring the public of a “transparent and accountable process”.
However, Gariseb said this response is inadequate. “Where is the investigation report? Why is the fake husband still listed? This system must be audited immediately to protect all our pensioners."
He added that if the withdrawals hadn’t been so obvious, "Ouma would have believed it was just another loan deduction forced on her like many others.”
In a letter addressed to NamPost, Gariseb demanded the release of names and details of the five added beneficiaries and those responsible for amending Sikela’s account, in order to enable the family to open criminal charges and pursue civil litigation for damages.
“Our biggest concern is how many other pensioners are silently suffering similar fates?” said Gariseb.
The matter has now sparked calls for higher-level scrutiny, with demands mounting for the ministry of finance to intervene.
The case has triggered public outrage and a demand for ministerial intervention.
'Ouma' Petrina Sikela was allegedly defrauded of close to N$20 000 over several months, after five unknown beneficiaries were added to her pension-linked funeral policy, allegedly without her knowledge or consent.
Records at NamPost reportedly falsely list a 43-year-old man as her husband, a so-called 'Ben 10', who allegedly began withdrawing Sikela’s remaining pension funds in January.
"This is fraud and theft against a vulnerable elderly woman who entrusted the system with her survival," said social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, who brought the alleged scheme to the attention of the media.
“When Ouma discovered the irregularities, she became so distraught that she contemplated taking her own life. She was too ashamed to tell anyone until she confided in a fellow church member," he added.
NamPost has since issued a media statement acknowledging the allegations and confirming that it has launched an internal investigation.
Without knowledge
According to documentation seen by Namibian Sun, monthly deductions of N$280 were siphoned off Ouma’s pension since 25 July 2019.
When she eventually queried her account on 10 June this year, NamPost confirmed that policies had been activated in her name, with her thumbprint allegedly used as consent, and that an unknown person had been withdrawing her remaining funds for five consecutive months.
“She was misrepresented as married to a man 32 years her junior, and all this was done without her knowledge,” said Gariseb. “Even after we reported it to NamPost, only the card access was frozen, and the PIN was changed. The fraudulent beneficiaries are still listed on her account. There has been no internal investigation recorded when we followed up on 23 July.”
NamPost responds
Gladwin Groenewaldt, NamPost’s manager for marketing and corporate communications, in a statement dated 28 July, said: “We recognise the disturbing nature of the claims, particularly those suggesting fraudulent additions of beneficiaries, unauthorised deductions and potential abuse of the procuratorship system. The protection of elderly and vulnerable clients is non-negotiable.”
Groenewaldt encouraged affected individuals to contact NamPost’s tip-off hotline or email, assuring the public of a “transparent and accountable process”.
However, Gariseb said this response is inadequate. “Where is the investigation report? Why is the fake husband still listed? This system must be audited immediately to protect all our pensioners."
He added that if the withdrawals hadn’t been so obvious, "Ouma would have believed it was just another loan deduction forced on her like many others.”
In a letter addressed to NamPost, Gariseb demanded the release of names and details of the five added beneficiaries and those responsible for amending Sikela’s account, in order to enable the family to open criminal charges and pursue civil litigation for damages.
“Our biggest concern is how many other pensioners are silently suffering similar fates?” said Gariseb.
The matter has now sparked calls for higher-level scrutiny, with demands mounting for the ministry of finance to intervene.
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