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DISTRAUGHT: Thusnelda Garises (52) who was allegedly the victim of a housing scam. Photo: Precious Nghitaunapo
DISTRAUGHT: Thusnelda Garises (52) who was allegedly the victim of a housing scam. Photo: Precious Nghitaunapo

Former cop allegedly scams woman in house sale

Accused fails to appear in court
According to the 52-year-old woman, she and her family only lived in their 'new home' for three months before learning that the house was - in fact - not for sale.
Precious Nghituanapo
A 52-year-old woman from Windhoek has allegedly been left homeless after falling victim to a housing scam.

Thusnelda Garises said she sold her home in Windhoek to buy a new house in Walvis Bay, but now finds herself without a place to live. After selling her property, Garises was reportedly advised to use a legal firm for her purchase.

She said in 2020, she transferred a significant amount of money to this firm while attempting to buy a house in Walvis Bay's Kuisebmond suburb.



Not your home

According to Garises, she was informed by an employee of the firm that a relative of theirs was selling a house in Kuisebmond that fit her budget. She said she met with the alleged seller, allegedly a former police officer, signed the purchase documents in the presence of the legal firm's staff, and made payments after viewing the house.

Garises told Namibian Sun that she only lived in the house with her three grandchildren for three months before discovering that the property was, in fact, not for sale.

The alleged seller’s family informed her that the house was family property and not available for purchase, she sa

“Since 2020, I’ve been left homeless with my children and grandchildren,” Garises said. “Despite numerous attempts to resolve this issue with the accused and authorities, I’ve received no help. My family and I are now without a home.”

According to her, the accused – who is known to Namibian Sun but cannot be named – failed to attend court hearings in the Swakopmund Regional Court, leading to the police issuing a warrant for her arrest.



Warrant issued

A source close to the matter, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the warrant had been issued.

Garises claims to have sought help from the justice ministry's legal aid directorate, but to no avail. “[My phone calls have] been blocked by the accused and [I] have struggled to get responses from the authorities. My situation is terrible, and I am fighting for justice for my family.”



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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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