WINDHOEK, FEB 8 – A joint task force of Namibian Police Force and City Police members conducted a sting operation in pursuit of armed robbers following the robbery of business owners who had gone to deposit money at Maerua Mall on Monday 7 February. In addition, the joint task force made further progress in previous armed robberies, as they tighten the noose on robbers that were rapidly evolving to become a menace to society.
A brief statement released by Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga on Tuesday said that the joint team had managed to arrest seven suspects linked to robberies that occurred on 7 February and 17 January – suspects whom on both occasions preyed on unsuspecting businesspeople AT Maerua Mall.
“The suspects were linked to both robbery incidents in this matter. An amount of N$ 18000 in cash was recovered from one of the suspects. An amount of N$ 8700 in cash was also recovered from another suspect. Both of these amounts was part of the stolen money from a robbery that happened at MAERUA Mall, On 07 February 2022 at about 10h23. The total cash recovered amounts to N$ 26 700,” read the statement.
In addition, one Red Polo classic motor vehicle, “which is a proceed of stolen money from the previously reported Armed Robbery at Maerua Mall on 17.01.2022 have been seized. 1x Polo Vivo silver in colour which is also a proceed of stolen money have been seized. 1x Toyota Corolla Quest sedan, silver in colour, which has been used in the commission of both robberies have been recovered and the lawful owner have been identified. It was further established that the owner is the mother of one of the suspect who is still at large (name withheld pending investigation).”
Speaking to Namibia Daily News, Chief Inspector Kuwinga said: “We are trying to establish as much as we can and we are still investigating. Others are still at large. The owner of the vehicle is also at large and we cannot reveal too much information because it will hinder our investigation. But we will release information as soon as the time is right.”
On Monday 7 February, four suspects dispossessed N$ 162 000 from two business partners at Maerua Mall. A 27-year-old Namibian female together with her colleague, a Cuban national, had arrived at Maerua Mall around 10h23 with the sole purpose of depositing money for their business/company.
“The complainant had N$162 000.00 cash in her possession, and while they walked toward the Mall’s entrance from the parking, and upon entry into the Mall, they suddenly got attacked by four (4) male suspects armed with a pistol and robbed them off the money.”
Even further back on Monday 17 January of this year at about 09:23 at Maerua-Mall Ground Parking Bay four unknown suspects excluding the driver of the getaway vehicle, unlawfully tailed/followed the victim from Puma Service Station Greenwell, Eveline street.
The victim drove with intent to go bank business money at the mall, and upon arrival and dis embarking from his vehicle with the money bags, a suspect pointed at him with firearms, shot twice at him and managed to grab two laptop bags with cash, and also grab a pistol from him before fleeing the scene.
“Between 2-3 pistols were used and the getaway vehicle is 1x Toyota Corolla Quest. Silver in color, with fake Reg number.
Nature of Property : Cash Bags containing amount of N$ 480 000-00. 1x H&K Para 9mm pistol, And 1x Car keys. Value: N$ 505,000-00,” said a police report at the time.
The complainant was a 34 years of age male, while at the time, the getaway vehicle was being driven by a female individual.
– musa@namibiadailynews.info
