By Lylie Happiness
Windhoek, 25 July – In tragic incident involving a helicopter crash in Swakopmund, Namibia, last week, two lives were lost. Jacques Jacobs and Dirk von Weitz met a fatal fate, and the incident has now taken an unexpected turn with the arrest of a woman from the town.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody on Sunday (23 July) on suspicion of fraud and forging documents related to the helicopter accident. Additionally, she may have violated aviation legislation concerning the Jacobs incident.
As per available information, the Robinson R44 helicopter had been brought in from South Africa, and technical inspections were necessary before the aircraft could be registered in Namibia. It is alleged that this responsibility was entrusted to test pilot Jacques Jacobs before the ill-fated take-off in Swakopmund.
The police investigation into the tragedy revealed a trail of potentially falsified documents, leading them to the doorstep of an employee of Namibia Base Aviation in the coastal town. The helicopter in question was reportedly intended for registration in Namibia by its owner, Schalk Nel, with the hope of obtaining a V5 registration mark after a successful test flight.
A thorough search of the suspect’s residence and her office at Namibia Base Aviation CC resulted in the seizure of various items, including two iPhones, a smaller phone, a USB device, six computers, two laptops, two cellphones, two memory sticks, 141 logbooks, and three boxes containing financial documents and invoices. These items have been obtained under a search warrant issued by the Magistrate’s office in Swakopmund.
The woman is set to appear in court in Swakopmund tomorrow to face criminal charges, while the Civil Aviation authorities continue their independent investigation.
As this shocking and complex case unfolds, we will keep you updated with any further developments.- Namibia Daily News
