Nico Rebebe, an employee at Bank Windhoek’s Opuwo branch, has spoken out regarding the January 2024 attempted bank heist, firmly maintaining his innocence. He was arrested in March following a two-month disappearance after the alleged N$2 million heist.
“I am being accused of something I did not do,” Rebebe said, clarifying that his absence was not an attempt to evade justice, but a trip to Angola to seek traditional treatment for his diabetes.
Following his voluntary surrender to the police in March, Rebebe revealed that he only became aware that he was wanted while undergoing treatment. The 32-year-old father of five, who has worked at the bank for nearly a decade, faces charges of conspiracy to commit theft related to an alleged attempt to transfer N$2 million.
Rebebe criticized the bank’s internal systems, insisting they were vulnerable and that he should not be singled out. “How could one employee transfer such a huge amount without supervisor approval?” he asked, disputing claims that he acted as the ‘mastermind,’ noting that he had neither the access nor the authority to carry out such a transaction.
He further explained that he delayed applying for bail on the advice of his legal counsel, who recommended waiting until the state finalized the investigation and confirmed all suspects. With most co-accused now granted bail, Rebebe and one other suspect, Festus Bumes, remain in custody, though he intends to submit a formal bail application before the end of the year.
