Medical professionals' alleged N$2 million scam tied to Shiweda murder

Investigations into an alleged large-scale insurance fraud syndicate accused of defrauding insurers of nearly N$2 million have revealed that proceeds from the scheme were allegedly used to fund logistics linked to the murder of Ondangwa control prosecutor Justine Shiweda.

A total of 12 suspects appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with the alleged fraud. Nine suspects were arrested over the weekend, while three were already in custody.

Namibian Sun has learned that police uncovered a criminal enterprise suspected of defrauding insurers of N$1 957 783.25 through the manipulation of hospital records and the falsification of medical histories at Onandjokwe and Oshakati state hospitals.

The syndicate allegedly involved medical professionals and accomplices who forged medical passports, stole official hospital stamps and facilitated fraudulent insurance payouts based on fabricated or exaggerated medical conditions. The group also allegedly channelled illicit proceeds through various bank accounts and shell companies.

While the fraud case is being prosecuted separately, Namibian Sun has learned that proceeds from the syndicate are believed to have been used to fund and provide logistical support for Shiweda’s murder.

Shiweda was shot and doused with a corrosive substance in front of her children in October last year over a case she was handling. She died this year as a result of her extensive injuries.

Magistrate Lydia Kambonde presided over the matter on Monday and postponed the case to 17 September for further police investigations and legal representation.

The suspects face multiple charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) and other legislation, including fraud, forgery and uttering, theft of government property, money laundering, conspiracy to commit crime and corrupt practices.

Bail granted

Six of the accused – Israel Shikongo, Ottilie Johannes, Katsilwa Josua, Julia Jesica Shaambo, Martha Eliphas and Klaudia Martin – were each granted N$25 000 bail on Monday.

Of those remaining in custody, three are also charged in the Shiweda murder case.

Under bail conditions outlined by state prosecutor Yeukai Kangira, they are required to report to their nearest police station every Friday between 08:00 and 17:00 and to surrender their passports.

Three suspects also linked to the Shiweda murder were denied bail after Kangira opposed their release, citing a flight risk, possible interference with investigations and witnesses, and concerns that their release would not be in the public interest or the administration of justice.

Profiles of the 12 accused

Abner Mewiliko Mateus (35)

Mateus is identified as the alleged kingpin of the syndicate. He is accused of coordinating medical professionals and runners and directing the distribution of proceeds from fraudulent insurance claims.

Shikwaya Kuume Petrus (22)

Petrus allegedly acted as a runner and money launderer. He is accused of assisting in concealing illicit funds through shell companies and also submitting fraudulent insurance claims.

Festus Amwaalwa (36)

Amwaalwa, an enrolled nurse at Onandjokwe State Hospital, allegedly identified insurance policyholders and helped create fraudulent medical passports. He is further accused of using his sister’s bank account to receive bribes and submitting fraudulent claims in his own name.

Klaudia Martin (34)

Martin is listed as a claimant who allegedly defrauded Sanlam Namibia of N$1 215 506.25 through forged medical documentation.

Israel Nkandi Shikongo (30)

Shikongo allegedly acted as a money launderer, structuring and disguising about N$400 000 through multiple bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds.

Filemon Nakanduungile (39)

Nakanduungile, a medical practitioner, allegedly falsified medical histories and authenticated fraudulent documentation in exchange for kickbacks exceeding N$200 000.

Carlos Gomes Varela (49)

Varela, a Malawian medical practitioner at Onandjokwe State Hospital, allegedly falsified medical records for Martin and received more than N$50 000 for his role.

Kelsey Kudumo (32)

An intern doctor at Onandjokwe, Kudumo allegedly forged blood test results and medical reports, reportedly drawing blood from patients to fabricate medical evidence used to support fraudulent claims.

Ottilie Shiwoombili Johannes (34)

Johannes, an enrolled nurse at Onandjokwe, allegedly assisted in creating fraudulent medical passports and was reportedly paid N$40 000 through an intermediary.

Katsilwa Josua (36)

Another enrolled nurse at Onandjokwe, Josua was allegedly found in possession of official hospital date stamps and face-value documents at his residence in Ondado village in Oniipa.

Julia Jesica Shaambo (40)

An administrator at Oshakati State Hospital, Shaambo allegedly used official hospital stamps without authorisation to validate forged documents and received kickbacks exceeding N$20 000.

Martha Tautunyenge Eliphas (36)

Eliphas, a registered nurse at Onandjokwe, allegedly concealed N$80 000 in her child’s bank account and laundered money to her boyfriend, Nakanduungile.

Case #2: Murder case postponed

The case involving six suspects charged with the murder of Shiweda and conspiracy to commit murder has been postponed to 8 April.

Five of the accused appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday and remain in custody.

The court heard that discussions are ongoing over the suspects’ access to phones to contact their legal representatives.

Lukas Nekwiyu, also known as Mane, is currently being held at Oluno Correctional Facility.

Abner Mateus (Cota Smith), Petrus Uusiku, Petrus Shikwaya (Kuxa) and Dr Filemon Nakanduungile (Fly) are being held at Grootfontein Correctional Facility, while Ngilifavali Johannes (Josi) was absent from court, as he is detained in Windhoek.

In a separate matter, Uusiku and Shikwaya are expected to appear in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on 15 April on charges of conspiracy to commit corruption.

The six accused collectively face six charges.

The matter was presided over by magistrate Kaevarua Veruka Njembo, while the state was represented by Kangira.

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