Bail denied to ‘prophet’ accused of fraud
A so-called prophet and his co-accused allegedly tried to sway complainants to say that the money they received was a loan to the church.
LEANDREA LOUW
WALVIS BAY
Kaetanus ‘Dr Atomic Bomb’ Shilimela (30) and his co-accused, Lucas ‘Shocks’ Showa (30) were denied bail on charges of fraud, theft by false pretences and money laundering.
Magistrate John Sindano said the men did not convince the court that they are suitable candidates to be released on bail.
“Bail is denied based on two grounds: It is not in the public interest and the administration of justice to grant bail; [and] there is a reasonable likelihood of interference with relevant evidence ... to be suppressed or distorted.”
The case was postponed to 29 October for further investigation, since some of the complainants have not yet made their statements.
N$800 000
Shilimela, a self-proclaimed prophet at Eternal Glory Ministries, and his co-accused allegedly defrauded five unsuspecting women of more than N$800 000 between August and September 2019.
A third suspect, Hinomtu Simeon Shilongo, has also been arrested and added to the docket.
During his bail hearing, Shilimela denied all allegations against him, claiming that there is no evidence to prove them.
He also denied threatening the State witnesses, but admitted demanding to know from the authorities the identities of the complainants upon his arrest, the magistrate said in his bail ruling.
Witness tampering
According to Sindano, the evidence indicates that Shilimela made a living from soliciting money from church members.
“He allegedly informed them that he had oil, a fishing factory and fishing vessels which have the potential to make great returns in profit for members who invest in the business.
“The investigating officer is of the view that both the accused may interfere with ongoing investigations if released on bail, since they have demanded to know the identities of the complainants,” Sindano said.
Sindano added that the investigating officer is in possession of 17 audio recordings on which the two accused allegedly threatened the victims should they cooperate with the police.
“Of these recordings, 15 are associated with the prophet who can allegedly audibly be heard informing the witnesses what to tell the police when they are contacted.”
Shilimela can allegedly be heard telling the witnesses to state that the money given to him was a loan to the church and not an investment.
There are also audio recordings where Showa allegedly contacted two State witnesses in an attempt to tamper with the statements that will be given to the police officers, the magistrate said.
WALVIS BAY
Kaetanus ‘Dr Atomic Bomb’ Shilimela (30) and his co-accused, Lucas ‘Shocks’ Showa (30) were denied bail on charges of fraud, theft by false pretences and money laundering.
Magistrate John Sindano said the men did not convince the court that they are suitable candidates to be released on bail.
“Bail is denied based on two grounds: It is not in the public interest and the administration of justice to grant bail; [and] there is a reasonable likelihood of interference with relevant evidence ... to be suppressed or distorted.”
The case was postponed to 29 October for further investigation, since some of the complainants have not yet made their statements.
N$800 000
Shilimela, a self-proclaimed prophet at Eternal Glory Ministries, and his co-accused allegedly defrauded five unsuspecting women of more than N$800 000 between August and September 2019.
A third suspect, Hinomtu Simeon Shilongo, has also been arrested and added to the docket.
During his bail hearing, Shilimela denied all allegations against him, claiming that there is no evidence to prove them.
He also denied threatening the State witnesses, but admitted demanding to know from the authorities the identities of the complainants upon his arrest, the magistrate said in his bail ruling.
Witness tampering
According to Sindano, the evidence indicates that Shilimela made a living from soliciting money from church members.
“He allegedly informed them that he had oil, a fishing factory and fishing vessels which have the potential to make great returns in profit for members who invest in the business.
“The investigating officer is of the view that both the accused may interfere with ongoing investigations if released on bail, since they have demanded to know the identities of the complainants,” Sindano said.
Sindano added that the investigating officer is in possession of 17 audio recordings on which the two accused allegedly threatened the victims should they cooperate with the police.
“Of these recordings, 15 are associated with the prophet who can allegedly audibly be heard informing the witnesses what to tell the police when they are contacted.”
Shilimela can allegedly be heard telling the witnesses to state that the money given to him was a loan to the church and not an investment.
There are also audio recordings where Showa allegedly contacted two State witnesses in an attempt to tamper with the statements that will be given to the police officers, the magistrate said.
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