Former NAMDIA employee Stefanus Charles Rhoman and senior officer Willem Stoffel, both facing two counts of defeating the ends of justice and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), appeared for a bail application hearing at the Bethanie Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that Rhoman and Stoffel assisted in disguising proceeds gained through unlawful activities.

They are alleged to have relocated livestock from Farm !Nharis in the Bethanie district under the instructions of George Cloete, who is facing charges of money laundering and illicit diamond trafficking in connection with NAMDIA diamonds that were stolen during a robbery in January of the previous year.

State Prosecutor Riwayne Doeseb opposed bail on grounds of the seriousness of the offence, the risk of interference with witnesses, and the possibility of absconding. Moreover, he cited the likelihood that the applicants would reoffend, arguing that the state has a prima facie case.

Doeseb stated that both public interest and the administration of justice warranted opposing the granting of bail. He highlighted that Namibian diamonds, being state resources, were involved in the case, which is currently under public scrutiny.

Both Rhoman and Stoffel told the court they had no intention of absconding or committing a similar offence. In addition, they indicated their willingness to surrender their travel documents to comply with any bail conditions set by the court.

Rhoman admitted that Stoffel had requested his assistance in transporting items from the aforementioned farm, where a man named Stefan Botes also arrived to collect 84 goats. He was, however, quick to note that he had no arrangement with George Cloete regarding the livestock relocation and had only assisted Stoffel because his vehicle had technical problems.

Rhoman testified that he underwent two spinal surgeries last year and was due for a medical follow‑up appointment at the end of last month, which he missed due to his incarceration. In addition, he said he has been unable to receive the specialised treatment while in police custody, and the pain related to his medical condition is worsening daily.

On his part, Stoffel admitted that he contacted Stefan Botes on instructions from Cloete to relocate the livestock to his farm. He added that he simply acted on Cloete’s suggestion that the purpose of the livestock relocation was to prevent further stock theft after 19 goats reportedly went missing at his farm.

Stoffel testified that a case of stock theft relating to the 19 goats had been reported at the Bethanie Police Station, but did not yield any results.

Both Rhoman and Stoffel said they could afford N$5,000 in bail. The bail application hearing continues tomorrow.

Rhoman is represented by his lawyer, Theo Carolus, while Stoffel is represented by his lawyer, Trevor Brockerhoff.