Kudumo denies N$18k payment part of Sanlam fraud

Medical intern Kelsey Kudumo on Wednesday denied claims that N$18 000 paid into her bank account was linked to the alleged N$1.8 million Sanlam Namibia fraud scheme before the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court.

Kudumo, one of several accused in the case, testified during the bail hearing of former Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital nurse Festus Amwaalwa.

The State argued that Kudumo’s testimony contradicted Amwaalwa’s earlier claim that the money was a “token of appreciation”.

Kudumo told the court she had approached Amwaalwa for financial help while struggling financially and not receiving a salary.

“I did not specify an amount. I just needed help to pay my debts,” she told the court.

Kudumo said Amwaalwa later phoned her and informed her that money had been sent to her account via his sister.

“Amwaalwa called me and said: ‘I have sent you the money you asked for’,” she testified.

The State alleges Kudumo received N$20 000 linked to fraudulent Sanlam claims facilitated through falsified hospital records and laboratory results.

Kudumo defends loan

Kudumo's lawyer, Antonius Shapumba, previously told the court the amount paid to Kudumo was N$18 000, not N$20 000 as alleged by the prosecution.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Erastus Christiana questioned why she did not find it suspicious that a friend would send such a substantial sum without first agreeing on the amount or purpose.

“We help each other financially from time to time,” she replied.

She said she did not immediately check when the money reflected in her account or the exact time it was deposited.

Kudumo admitted there had been no discussion with Amwaalwa on repayment of the money.

She said she was not obliged to repay the amount as no loan agreement or repayment arrangement had been made.

She said she did plan to pay it back, although she never told Amwaalwa.

“I planned to pay it back,” she said.