Naomi Fisch told the court that her boyfriend and co-accused, Steven Schneider, is a senior general in a gang known as the 28s. She also said she is aware that he has three previous convictions.

Schneider was released last year in June after serving a murder conviction.

Fisch testified that she has been married twice before and said both her former husbands also have criminal records.

State prosecutor Frank Tjibeba questioned Fisch on why she is romantically involved with a person who has a criminal history.

Fisch responded that she got to know Schneider and that they fell in love.

Tjibeba replied, “Birds of a feather flock together,” and accused Fisch of being involved in criminal activities.

Fisch further told the court that she was not in control of the N$154,000 and could not explain why the money was not kept in a bank.

She said the money belonged to her boyfriend, Steven Schneider.

She testified that she intends to plead not guilty to all charges, including possession of a dependence-producing substance, dealing in drugs, and money laundering.

Fisch said she accepts that drug possession and dealing are serious offences and are not accepted by the community.