State wants 18 years for ‘partners in crime’

Eba Kandovazu The State has asked for an 18-year custodial sentence for a couple accused of defrauding and stealing over N$9 million from Ekonolux.Former bookkeeper at the company, Amanda Jantjies (58) and her husband Barnard Jantjies (60) were accused of stealing from the company between 2014 and 2018. They have been charged with theft, money laundering and fraud in that they used their own company Bareli Building Services to launder the money.On Tuesday, State prosecutor Ian Malumani argued that the offences were premeditated, in that Amanda’s actions were driven by greed. “These types of crime cripple the economy in the long run. The accused is convicted of a serious offence and the amount involved is very high. The offence is prevalent, and the accused was placed in a position of trust,” Malumani argued. He suggested an 18-year sentence for Amanda, 15 years for Barnard and a fine of N$150 000 for their company, listed as accused three. During the trial, the duo admitted guilt, with Amanda admitting that on a number of occasions, she made payments from Ekonolux’s bank account to her own bank account, her husband’s account and that of their company, pretending that the money was made to suppliers and clients of Ekonolux for goods purchased by Ekonolux or for services rendered to it.Ekonolux, as a result lost a total N$9.98 million. “I remorsefully admit that myself, my co-accused husband and my family lived a lifestyle that was beyond our means and this triggered the uncontrolled theft and expenditure of the money,” Amanda admitted in a plea statement, in early June 2026, at the commencement of the trial. Judge Eileen Rakow postponed the matter to 13 July 2026 for sentencing.Lawyer Veiko Alexander is representing the accused.-Nampa The post State wants 18 years for ‘partners in crime’ appeared first on New Era. ]]>