Boulter says he won’t flee from his N$150m assets

British-born businessman Harvey Boulter says his extensive investments and business interests in Namibia – said to be worth about N$150 million - demonstrate that he has no intention of fleeing the country as he considers asking the court to amend his bail conditions to allow limited international business travel while awaiting trial on a murder charge.

Responding to questions from Namibian Sun, Boulter - who acquired Namibian permanent resident status in 2017 - said any application would seek permission for overseas business trips on a case-by-case basis and would be subject to strict conditions, including prior approval from authorities and detailed travel itineraries.

Boulter was arrested after Gerhard van Wyk (54), whom he employed as manager of his farm near Kamanjab, was shot during a scuffle at a barbecue on the farm in February 2021. Boulter's lawyer confirmed that the billionaire had been charged with murder and was in police custody.

He was later granted N$500,000 bail on condition that he resides at a fixed Windhoek address and reports weekly to the local police. Boulter's bail conditions were amended in January 2022, to allow him to travel anywhere in Namibia for up to 3 months without the need to report to Windhoek Police.

Speaking to Namibian Sun last week, he stressed that he has complied with his bail conditions for more than five years and remains committed to standing trial.

"I have no intention of avoiding trial," Boulter said. "I have been waiting a long time for this matter to come to trial or otherwise be concluded."

Seeking to counter suggestions that he poses a flight risk, Boulter pointed to what he described as his deep economic and personal ties to Namibia.

He said he has invested in several businesses and development projects across the country, including a major mixed-use development planned for Henties Bay, which remains under discussion with the local authority. He also cited his funding of a community market in the town and his long-standing financial support for a school in the Kunene Region with more than 400 learners.

Beyond the projects highlighted in his response, court records show Boulter previously testified under oath that he has invested more than N$150 million in Namibia since 2011, employs about 40 people and obtained permanent residence in 2017.

Among his best-known investments is Kaross Farm, a roughly 66 000-acre wildlife property between Kamanjab and Etosha National Park, where he has invested in high-value game breeding, hunting and wildlife tourism. Through a company he controls, he also acquired the adjoining Kavita Lion Lodge and Pionier properties as part of plans to establish an exclusive wildlife and hunting estate.

During earlier bail proceedings, Boulter also referred to ownership of a second farm, although its identity has not been publicly disclosed.

His property portfolio further extends to Windhoek, where court documents filed in support of his parents' permanent residence application state that he owns seven properties in the Am Weinberg Estate with a combined value of about N$50 million and has invested a further N$10 million in upgrades.

In 2024, Boulter's company, CPAM, assumed management of the Am Weinberg Estate following the insolvency of its previous developer, overseeing efforts to revive the development after a period of financial and operational difficulties.

Boulter argued that these investments underscore his commitment to Namibia.

"None of this makes me innocent, but it also does not make me guilty," he said. "It does show that I have deep personal, business, and community ties to Namibia, and that I remain committed to the country and to the court process."

He denied reports that he had applied to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saying no such application had been made.

Instead, he said his legal team is considering whether to ask the court to permit limited international business travel, with each trip requiring prior approval and the submission of his destination, accommodation, travel dates and transport details to the investigating officer. He added that he would remain contactable throughout any trip and would be willing to undergo video verification if required.