NDF member arrested for issuing fake baptism certificates
LEANDREA LOUW
WALVIS BAY
A member of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), who is accused of committing fraud, made his first appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Jeremia Haikwuyu (40) was arrested on Friday and charged with corruption.
Deputy commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, regional crime investigations coordinator of the Erongo Region, said the accused on Friday, 11 June, at around 16:00 at a ghetto in Tutaleni, Kuisebmond, allegedly defrauded people of their money.
“He apparently conducted baptism and confirmation classes and issued fake baptism registration and confirmation certificates, and used the state official stamp of NDF. The official stamp, baptism and confirmation documents as well as N$1 600 in cash were confiscated.”
During his first appearance, Haikwuyu appeared on a charge of corruptly using his office for his own gratification.
State prosecutor Tuihaleni Hilikuete objected to bail on the grounds that it is a serious offence.
Haikwuyu said he would conduct his own defence until such time he can establish whether he qualifies for a private lawyer.
The matter was postponed to 20 July for further investigations.
“Investigations are still at an early stage, and on the next date you can bring a formal application. Until then, you are to remain in custody,” magistrate Vicky Nickolaidis said.
WALVIS BAY
A member of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), who is accused of committing fraud, made his first appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Jeremia Haikwuyu (40) was arrested on Friday and charged with corruption.
Deputy commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, regional crime investigations coordinator of the Erongo Region, said the accused on Friday, 11 June, at around 16:00 at a ghetto in Tutaleni, Kuisebmond, allegedly defrauded people of their money.
“He apparently conducted baptism and confirmation classes and issued fake baptism registration and confirmation certificates, and used the state official stamp of NDF. The official stamp, baptism and confirmation documents as well as N$1 600 in cash were confiscated.”
During his first appearance, Haikwuyu appeared on a charge of corruptly using his office for his own gratification.
State prosecutor Tuihaleni Hilikuete objected to bail on the grounds that it is a serious offence.
Haikwuyu said he would conduct his own defence until such time he can establish whether he qualifies for a private lawyer.
The matter was postponed to 20 July for further investigations.
“Investigations are still at an early stage, and on the next date you can bring a formal application. Until then, you are to remain in custody,” magistrate Vicky Nickolaidis said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article