Allexer Namundjembo
The Namibia Post Limited (Nampost) will release a report on the case of 82-year-old pensioner Petrina Shikela from Katutura in Windhoek, who lost thousands of dollars after a “Ben 10” was listed as her husband and beneficiary.
“Ben 10” is a slang term used to describe a young man in a romantic relationship with an older woman.
According to Windhoek social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, the young man allegedly withdrew money from her account without her permission.
Gariseb told the Windhoek Observer that a meeting with Nampost management and the chief executive officer will take place on Thursday to reveal who will be held accountable and how much Shikela will be reimbursed.
“We managed to go there today [yesterday], hoping to get the forensic report, but they informed us that we will meet with the management together with the CEO on Thursday,” Gariseb said.
Gariseb said the total amount withdrawn remains unclear.
“Last time we just estimated. But they will tell us who will be held accountable. We also want to know, so we open a criminal case against whoever withdrew the money,” he said.
Gariseb said he is still receiving complaints from pensioners and social grant beneficiaries who report not getting assistance at payment points.
“We will also note the complaints we get that pensioners who are bedridden and sending other able-bodied people to pay on their behalf are not being helped. Since October, this and other issues have been raised by pensioners and grant receivers to us,” he said.
The issue first came to light in July when Shikela reported being defrauded of about N$20 000 after unauthorised beneficiaries were added to her pension-linked funeral policy and money was withdrawn from her Nampost account.
At that time, Shikela, through her legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, said a total of 12 unauthorised withdrawals were made using credit card services without her consent.
The letter demanded a written explanation, reimbursement of N$10 560 and the removal of all unauthorised beneficiaries.
Nampost spokesperson Gladwin Groenewaldt previously said an internal investigation was launched.
This comes as Nampost faces growing criticism over its handling of pension and social grant payments. Since taking over as the national distributor in October 2025, the company has faced complaints about long queues, delays, and logistical challenges.
