Gang probed over violent robberies

WALVIS BAY - The police in Erongo are investigating a possible link between a series of robberies that have been carried out in Swakopmund, and a gang of robbers who were arrested on Tuesday afternoon for brutally attacking and robbing an elderly couple at the town. The three suspects aged 36, 25 and 21 broke into the residence of the elderly couple in Ocean View.

They were due to appear in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder and robbery soon. Community affairs commander of the Namibian police, Inspector Ileni Shapumba explained on Tuesday that the three suspects forcefully entered the house of the couple, and attacked the husband with fists while using a panga to force his wife to hand over money and keys to the safe.

“It was so fortunate that the wife was busy attending an online fitness session. As a result, the other participants witnessed the brutal attack and alerted the Swakopmund neighbourhood watch”. He applauded the participants of the online training for their vigilance and prompt action that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

“This commendable effort is worth emulating. We also applaud everyone, including the emergency service response team, for the excellent coordination that led to the successful arrest of the robbers.

We suspect that the gang might be responsible for the series of robberies that have been carried out at the town and nearby surroundings”, Shapumba continued. Most recently, an elderly woman was attacked and killed in her house after she was overpowered by unknown suspects. Her killers are yet to be arrested. Last week, a couple was also attacked and robbed of around N$600 000 worth of camera equipment, also by unknown suspects.