Iuze Mukube

Nearly 200 000 kg of cannabis was confiscated by the police in June, Namibian Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi revealed in her monthly drug report.

She stated that 112 people were arrested in connection with the drug busts.

She, however, did not reveal the monetary street value of the drugs this time around.

“Drugs seized are cannabis, mandrax and crack cocaine, with their weight being 191 837.97 kg of cannabis, 2 285 full tablets of mandrax, and five units of crack cocaine,” Shikwambi said.

The figure includes 106 Namibians, one Angolan national, two Tanzanian nationals, one Zambian and two Zimbabwean nationals.

She emphasised that “we should stand together against illicit drugs, report them, and save lives.”

Moving to the weekend crime report, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft were the leading crimes.

Shikwambi revealed five incidences of housebreaking over the weekend, starting with the invasion of a house in Oshifo, Ruacana in the Omusati region.

“The incident occurred on Friday, 5 July 2024, at around 8h00 in Elonga village. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested for unlawfully breaking into the complainant’s sleeping room with an unknown object through the window.”

She added: “The stolen items include a traditional bowl (etiti), a gold-coloured necklace, a panga, a photo frame and a notebook. The total value of stolen items is N$1 300. Recovery of all items was made except for the panga and the necklace.”

On the same day in Windhoek, another housebreaking incident was reported at around 11h21 in the Freedomland location. It is alleged that the suspect stole items valued at N$24 700 after gaining illegal entry, stealing a wig [artificial hair], a backpack and a travelling bag, among other things.

No recovery or arrest has been made so far.

“There was unlawful entry by the suspect on Saturday, 6 July 2024, around 04h00 at a complainant’s house in Elisenheim, Katutura, where the suspect stole items valued at N$23 300, comprising a laptop with its charger, a mouse, work documents and cash. No recovery, and police investigations continue,” stated Shikwambi.

Additionally, on Friday in Dolam, Katutura at around 04h00, it is alleged that the suspect used a paper clip to open the lock and unlawfully entered the complainant’s house, stealing items valued at N$11 200.

The stolen goods comprise a 55-inch Hisense TV, a JVC sound bar, a pair of shoes, and clothes.

“No recovery nor arrest has been made yet in this incidence,” stated Shikwambi.

“On the same day in Katutura in Shanghai Street, at around 22h00, the suspect allegedly unlawfully entered the complainant’s room and stole items such as a double-door fridge and a stove. The items are valued at N$21 000. No recovery and no arrest have been made,” she added.

Attempted rape

In a separate incident, a case of attempted rape was reported on Friday in Omusati region’s Okomakwiya village, in the Onesi constituency.

Shikwambi stated that the suspect is the biological son of the complainant, aged 40, who allegedly pushed his 79-year-old mother to the ground and undressed her and himself with the intention of having sexual intercourse with his mother.  The suspect was arrested. Police investigations continue. –mukubeiuze@gmail.com