A group of coastal journalists who were attacked by fraud suspect Immanuel Nowaseb has opened a case of assault against him.

In a video captured by the victims, Nowaseb could be seen repeatedly hitting the correspondents who were assigned to cover his first court appearance at Walvis Bay with a book. 

The 40-year-old Nowaseb is facing 15 counts of fraud and, alternatively, money laundering.

Nowaseb allegedly pretended to be a representative of Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and managed to defraud and solicit N$2.5 million from a businessman in the harbor town between November 2022 and January 2023.

The state has opposed bail, saying it is not in the interest of justice or the public if he is released.

The public prosecutor further revealed that the suspect has similar pending cases in other towns, including Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Okahandja.

Bail has been denied, and the matter has been postponed to May 31 for further investigation.