A Windhoek resident is set to face the High Court on November 19 on three counts of fraud or theft and three counts of money laundering involving a total of N$3 million. Johan van Wyk, 45, was committed for trial after the matter was transferred from the Magistrate’s Court. Authorities allege he siphoned funds in September 2020 from two close corporations where he held substantial interests.
The prosecutor general authorised the charges. Court documents state that on September 22, van Wyk shifted N$1 million from an LH Equipment Sales account into a corporate account and then to a mortgage bond in his and his wife’s names. On September 25 and September 30, similar transfers of N$1 million each were made from a Windhoek Renovations account into an account for Hardrock Earthworks, of which he is the sole member. His former business partner, Robert Wirtz, held majority stakes in Windhoek Renovations and an equal interest in LH Equipment Sales while van Wyk managed their daily operations.
Defence counsel insists a settlement reached in September called for Wirtz or Windhoek Renovations to pay van Wyk N$8.5 million and withdraw any criminal claims by mid-September. The lawyer argues that the prosecution conflicts with that agreement and involves what was purely a commercial dispute without any judicial finding of dishonesty. Van Wyk remains free on a warning pending the next appearance.
The prosecutor general authorised the charges. Court documents state that on September 22, van Wyk shifted N$1 million from an LH Equipment Sales account into a corporate account and then to a mortgage bond in his and his wife’s names. On September 25 and September 30, similar transfers of N$1 million each were made from a Windhoek Renovations account into an account for Hardrock Earthworks, of which he is the sole member. His former business partner, Robert Wirtz, held majority stakes in Windhoek Renovations and an equal interest in LH Equipment Sales while van Wyk managed their daily operations.
Defence counsel insists a settlement reached in September called for Wirtz or Windhoek Renovations to pay van Wyk N$8.5 million and withdraw any criminal claims by mid-September. The lawyer argues that the prosecution conflicts with that agreement and involves what was purely a commercial dispute without any judicial finding of dishonesty. Van Wyk remains free on a warning pending the next appearance.
