Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has warned the public about scammers impersonating staff members and selling fake national documents and permits for large sums of money.
In a public notice issued this week, the Ministry’s Executive Director, Nghidinua Daniel, said victims are often issued fraudulent documents, exposing them to criminal liability and prosecution, as well as financial loss.
“From the cases reported to the Ministry, the victims of these fraudulent activities are largely foreign nationals seeking documents to reside in Namibia,” said Daniel.
According to him, the victims are mostly foreign nationals who do not qualify for documents through official channels and, out of desperation, collude with fraudsters. Others would have qualified but choose to use intermediaries and fall prey to fraud.
Daniel said the Ministry has flagged an unidentified male suspect using the name or pseudonym “Martin Tangeni” or “Martin Tangeni Ndeitwa” and multiple mobile numbers: 0814891258, 0813357742, 0813357935, 0817874014, 0817874013, and 0816609285. Another suspect uses the names “Carlos” or “Carlos Willie”.
“The public is informed that the Ministry does not employ persons by these names. Any contacts or calls made by them should be treated as deceptive, fraudulent, and criminal attempts aimed at defrauding members of the public,” said Daniel.
The Ministry stressed that it does not operate through intermediaries, facilitators, or consultants, and no official is authorised to offer to facilitate documents for payment.
“Our services are rendered openly at designated and clearly marked offices and counters, not in corridors or private places,” he said.
He did not rule out possible collusion between criminals and some staff members of the Ministry.
“The Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance stance against fraud and corruption. Any person who aids or participates in such criminal conduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
Members of the public with information on corrupt or criminal activities involving Ministry staff are urged to report them to the Executive Director with evidence.
Suspicious activity should be reported to the Ministry’s toll-free number, 0811436265, or to the nearest police station.
The public is advised to submit applications directly at designated offices, where an acknowledgement of receipt will be issued.
Victims are urged to open criminal cases since the Ministry cannot effectively combat “this criminality” without their cooperation and assistance, Daniel said.
PICTURED: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Executive Director, Nghidinua Daniel. Photo: File
