Two arrested in UK for alleged asylum fraud after BBC investigation
via The Namibian2 min read
Two individuals have been arrested in east London following a BBC undercover investigation into immigration advisers reportedly assisting asylum seekers in feigning homosexuality to remain in the United Kingdom. The arrests were made by the Home Office's immigration enforcement team. The BBC previously revealed how migrants nearing visa expiration were allegedly instructed on obtaining false evidence, including letters and photographs, to support asylum claims. An undercover reporter at an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker event was told by multiple migrants that many attendees were not genuinely gay. A woman in her late forties was arrested on suspicion of providing an immigration service contrary to section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, while a man in his early twenties was arrested on suspicion of fraud. Immigration minister Mike Tapp stated that such advice undermines genuine asylum claims and vowed to pursue those providing "dodgy advice." Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for immigration and asylum Will Forster, Green Party leader Zack Polanski, and Reform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf also commented on the issue, with various perspectives on asylum system reform and enforcement.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Petrus Shikwaya, 22, accused of murder and fraud, allegedly used N$2.1 million fraudulently obtained from Sanlam for various purchases, including substantial amounts at KFC fast-food outlets and building material suppliers. This information was presented at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court during Shikwaya’s bail application by Detective chief inspector Antonious Gabriel, a lead investigator in the Sanlam fraud case. Police investigations traced portions of the alleged stolen funds to these transactions. Shikwaya faces charges related to the murder of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda and fraud involving N$2.1 million from Sanlam. The state claims he defrauded Sanlam of about N$154,000 by faking hospitalization due to malnutrition. The state opposes his bail due to the seriousness of the offenses and ongoing investigations. Gabriel testified that Shikwaya personally benefited from assets acquired with fraud proceeds, including a silver Volkswagen Polo purchased by his uncle, Abner Mateus, and a farming unit near Windhoek. The farming unit was allegedly bought from Vitalis ‘Dax’ Nepembe, who was arrested two weeks prior in connection with a N$385,000 transaction linked to the Sanlam fraud case. The building materials were reportedly for his uncle’s farming unit. The state maintains these funds originated from the money allegedly defrauded from Sanlam. Gabriel stated that some individuals who defrauded Sanlam paid a portion to Mateus, which was then deposited into Shikwa
Must ReadThe Independent Patriots for Change IPC has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her state visit to Tanzania to speak out against human rights abuses in the country. This marks Nandi-Ndaitwah's second visit to Tanzania since President Samia Hassan's election. Rodney Cloete, IPC shadow minister for international relations, stated that Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition party Chadema, has been detained since April 2025 on a treason charge that carries the death penalty and does not allow bail. The United Nations declared Lissu's detention unlawful in February, and the American Bar Association's human rights center found his prosecution to be politically motivated. Cloete urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to publicly demand Lissu's release and to report to the National Assembly upon her return, tabling any agreements signed during her visit. He also noted that Hassan's election involved security forces using disproportionate lethal force and internet shutdowns.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her Tanzanian counterpart, President Samia Hassan, met in Dar es Salaam to strengthen economic cooperation and regional integration. Their discussions focused on strategic sectors such as trade, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, and regional integration. The meeting resulted in the signing of several agreements covering trade, agriculture, defense cooperation, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises. President Hassan described President Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit as a "homecoming," acknowledging Namibia's liberation struggle ties to Tanzania. President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed gratitude for the reception and congratulated President Hassan on her leadership, emphasizing that the visit reaffirms the strong fraternal bonds and Tanzania's support during Namibia's fight for independence. She highlighted that the friendship forged during the liberation struggle should drive expanded economic cooperation, regional integration, and shared prosperity for both nations.