By Lylie Happiness
Oshakati, July 3 – Oshana police are currently investigating a case of theft under false pretenses after a 61-year-old Namibian woman fell victim to a scam by a traditional doctor, resulting in the loss of N$116,000 in cash. The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, at a residence behind Ongwediva mini-market, opposite Omutuli Bar.
According to Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, the complainant, a resident of Onambele Village in the Oshikoto region, sought help for her son, who has been a psychiatric patient for several years. They had previously consulted various traditional doctors, but without any positive outcomes. Eventually, the complainant was referred to a specific traditional doctor, known as Dr. [Name], a herbalist, who they hoped could provide assistance.
The complainant contacted Dr. [Name], and they arranged to meet at his residence in Ongwediva. During their meeting, they agreed upon a fee for the treatment of the young boy. The charges amounted to N$400 for the consultation and N$8,000 for the treatment. The complainant paid the entire sum. However, while the doctor was attending to the boy, he abruptly stopped and informed the complainant that she, too, was ill and required treatment. The doctor claimed that in order to remove the supposed snakes from her son’s body, an additional payment of N$100,000 was necessary, on top of the N$8,400 already paid.
Feeling pressured and unaware that she was being scammed, the complainant went to the bank and withdrew N$100,000 in cash, which she handed over to the doctor. In return, she received a supply of herbs and powder for use at home. However, upon reflecting on the situation, the complainant began to suspect that she had been deceived. She realized that the doctor had coerced her into unnecessary treatment, even though she was not sick. Consequently, she decided to report the incident to the police, leading to the ongoing investigation.
The total amount paid by the complainant to Dr. [Name] amounted to N$116,000, all of which was provided in cash. The suspect, a well-known herbalist and traditional doctor, has not yet been apprehended, and police investigations are still underway. ~Namibia Daily News
