Windhoek
One of three suspected robbers, who allegedly robbed the manager of Total Service Station of a bag with N$170 000 in Pionierspark on Monday last week, surrendered himself to the police yesterday.
“Iita Niilenge, accompanied by his lawyer, handed himself in this (Monday) morning,” police spokesperson Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi confirmed. Shikwambi said Niilenge, who is the owner of the vehicle used in the robbery, surrendered himself to the serious crime division yesterday at 09h00.
Shikwambi could not say where Niilenge was hiding and if he handed over any of the stolen money. “For now I can’t confirm if he surrendered the money. Give us some time, we are busy with the investigation,” she said. She noted that Niilenge is expected to appear in court within 48 hours after he is charged. She issued a warning to the two suspects on the run, named Johannes Giva Nghilifavali and Jesaya Haule Kamulu, to surrender or face arrest.
Profiles provided by City Police last week show that Niilenge is a resident of Havana in Katutura and has five pending criminal cases. He has a case of robbery at Outapi, two house-breaking cases in Windhoek, a case of kidnapping and assault with intent of grievous bodily harm, and pointing of a firearm.
The second suspect, Nghilifavali, a resident of Hakahana’s Omusavati Street, has an armed robbery case pending against him, while his co-suspect, Jesaya Haule Kamulu, a resident of Freedom Land’s Ombo Street, also has a case of armed robbery pending.
Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga said the recent spate of armed robberies in the capital are worrisome, particularly those perpetrated against businesses and in residential areas. Ndeitunga called on business owners who are moving large sums of money to the bank to approach the police for assistance.
“It is a serious concern from the police management, especially with robberies and house break-ins. Some robberies appear to be inside-jobs, because the criminals know the movement of cash within a business,” said the police chief.
He also discouraged members of the public from buying stolen goods, as this contributes to crime in the country.
Ndeitunga said the police have made progress in identifying the suspects and had put up photos of the suspects everywhere. He called on the public to assist the police in tracing the suspected robbers.