Bail hearing continues in high-stakes fraud case

STAFF REPORTERA money-laundering case involving a customs official and two Chinese men was again postponed to today for a bail hearing.The case was briefly heard yesterday in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court, but had to be postponed due to the non-availability of a Mandarin interpreter.However, the court was informed yesterday that the case would proceed with or without an interpreter. Sisa Namandje, who is representing the two Chinese nationals Tao Huizhong and Jinrong Huang, argued that his clients were yet to be informed about the exact charges against them and thus should be released from custody.They face charges of fraud and money laundering involving the staggering sum of N$3.5 billion.The third accused is a Namibian national, Julius Laurentius, who is represented by Louis Botes and Dirk Conradie. The two lawyers also argued strongly for the bail hearing to continue this morning.The State, represented by prosecutor Rowan van Wyk, said the case would continue even if there was no interpreter. He also informed the court that every effort was being made to find an interpreter.During their appearance last week, Van Wyk said the two Chinese were the main accused in the case.Another accused, Zhu Honggang, had been granted N$500 000 bail by the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court. When he made another appearance in Windhoek last week his bail was extended and the case was postponed until 16 February.The details of the case remain sketchy. Zhu is the owner of Glory Building Material Supply in Ondangwa and is said to be a Namibian national. He was arrested on charges of fraud and of contravening section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, which deals with the acquisition, possession or use of the proceeds of crime.The police arrested Laurentius, who is a customs official at Walvis Bay, during a raid on his office in which computers and documents were seized.Magistrate Venatius Alweendo is presiding.

Bail hearing continues in high-stakes fraud case

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

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Bail hearing continues in high-stakes fraud case

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

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