DRC-linked fraud case delayed again
A fraud and theft trial involving the disappearance of US$850 000 belonging to a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army general has again been delayed – this time so the Swakopmund-based accused couple can source funds to appoint a senior counsel.
Erwin Spranger and his wife Lorinda, who are both estate agents, are charged with fraud and theft by false pretence, in connection with the disappearance of General Francoise Olenga's money.
Olenga claims he paid an amount of US$900 000 to the Sprangers in September 2010, and that they had failed or refused to repay all but US$50 000 of the money.
The money was supposed to have been used to develop two plots that Olenga had bought previously in Swakopmund.
During the couple's appearance last week, the court was informed that they were unable to afford the services of a senior counsel, who they wanted to appoint to represent them in the matter.
“I went to the Legal Aid Board to clarify the matter,” Erwin told the court.
He also confirmed he is trying to source funds from his family to help him pay for the senior counsel.
Olenga claims he deposited his money into the bank account of Kintcher Estates, based in Swakopmund, which is owned by the accused.
He has been trying to recover his money since 2014, without success, and a separate civil case is set to continue on 7 June.
Judge Naomi Shivute expressed concern over the continuous delays being experienced.
She said the complainant wanted the case finalised as a matter of urgency.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. I am going to postpone the matter to 7 April,” Shivute said.
She added the accused must inform the court on that date whether sufficient funds were raised to secure the services of a senior counsel.
A date for the continuation of the case would also be set during the couple's next appearance.
FRED GOEIEMAN
Erwin Spranger and his wife Lorinda, who are both estate agents, are charged with fraud and theft by false pretence, in connection with the disappearance of General Francoise Olenga's money.
Olenga claims he paid an amount of US$900 000 to the Sprangers in September 2010, and that they had failed or refused to repay all but US$50 000 of the money.
The money was supposed to have been used to develop two plots that Olenga had bought previously in Swakopmund.
During the couple's appearance last week, the court was informed that they were unable to afford the services of a senior counsel, who they wanted to appoint to represent them in the matter.
“I went to the Legal Aid Board to clarify the matter,” Erwin told the court.
He also confirmed he is trying to source funds from his family to help him pay for the senior counsel.
Olenga claims he deposited his money into the bank account of Kintcher Estates, based in Swakopmund, which is owned by the accused.
He has been trying to recover his money since 2014, without success, and a separate civil case is set to continue on 7 June.
Judge Naomi Shivute expressed concern over the continuous delays being experienced.
She said the complainant wanted the case finalised as a matter of urgency.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. I am going to postpone the matter to 7 April,” Shivute said.
She added the accused must inform the court on that date whether sufficient funds were raised to secure the services of a senior counsel.
A date for the continuation of the case would also be set during the couple's next appearance.
FRED GOEIEMAN
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