Covid-19 fugitive can't appear in court
Immanuel David, who faces a charge of illegally entering Namibia, will remain in isolation until he no longer has the coronavirus.
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
Immanuel David, a Namibian-born South African passport holder who entered the country illegally by crossing the Orange River in a canoe, is yet to be charged. David has tested positive for the coronavirus. He snuck into the country, allegedly with the help of a police officer, and was picked up by former acting Fishcor CEO Paulus Ngalangi. Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said David had not been charged yet as he was still in isolation. “The fugitive is in quarantine; he cannot be charged while he is in quarantine. Charging him now means that he will have to appear in court and that is not possible,” Shikwambi said.
SA police contacted
Namibian police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga last week said they were in contact with the South African police.
“Contact with our counterparts in South Africa has taken place but only on an emergency basis. The detailed and formal communication is being prepared,” he said. “We are collaborating with the South African police because he [David] is wanted there. He seems to be part of a bigger criminal syndicate,” Ndeitunga added.
On the Namibian police officer who allegedly assisted David, Ndeitunga said: “It is very clear and we will enforce the Police Act, particularly the disciplinary code.”
Ngalangi pleads innocence
Ngalangi last week denied knowingly helping David to enter the country illegally. Ngalangi admitted that he had driven to Noordoewer to pick up David and then drove him to Keetmanshoop.
“I was asked by a friend to collect a gentleman who was stuck with transport at Noordoewer.
“I asked a sergeant in the Namibian police to accompany me. I am a law-abiding citizen. If any linkages of money or any criminal activities were involved, I am denying any involvement,” he said.
However, a senior police officer has indicated that Ngalangi's “friend” is actually part of the criminal underworld.
“Ngalangi was contacted by South African gangs to make arrangements to have David picked up from the river,” the officer told Namibian Sun.
It is alleged that David arrived with a huge sum of money – with some claiming it was as much as N$7 million.
WINDHOEK
Immanuel David, a Namibian-born South African passport holder who entered the country illegally by crossing the Orange River in a canoe, is yet to be charged. David has tested positive for the coronavirus. He snuck into the country, allegedly with the help of a police officer, and was picked up by former acting Fishcor CEO Paulus Ngalangi. Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said David had not been charged yet as he was still in isolation. “The fugitive is in quarantine; he cannot be charged while he is in quarantine. Charging him now means that he will have to appear in court and that is not possible,” Shikwambi said.
SA police contacted
Namibian police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga last week said they were in contact with the South African police.
“Contact with our counterparts in South Africa has taken place but only on an emergency basis. The detailed and formal communication is being prepared,” he said. “We are collaborating with the South African police because he [David] is wanted there. He seems to be part of a bigger criminal syndicate,” Ndeitunga added.
On the Namibian police officer who allegedly assisted David, Ndeitunga said: “It is very clear and we will enforce the Police Act, particularly the disciplinary code.”
Ngalangi pleads innocence
Ngalangi last week denied knowingly helping David to enter the country illegally. Ngalangi admitted that he had driven to Noordoewer to pick up David and then drove him to Keetmanshoop.
“I was asked by a friend to collect a gentleman who was stuck with transport at Noordoewer.
“I asked a sergeant in the Namibian police to accompany me. I am a law-abiding citizen. If any linkages of money or any criminal activities were involved, I am denying any involvement,” he said.
However, a senior police officer has indicated that Ngalangi's “friend” is actually part of the criminal underworld.
“Ngalangi was contacted by South African gangs to make arrangements to have David picked up from the river,” the officer told Namibian Sun.
It is alleged that David arrived with a huge sum of money – with some claiming it was as much as N$7 million.
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