Maria Amakali
The police are searching for four suspects implicated in a cash-in-transit robbery involving more than N$800 000 that occurred yesterday morning at a shopping centre in Tsumeb.
The suspects formed part of the group of six men who ambushed a Rubicon Security vehicle that was transporting money collected from various shop outlets.
According to the police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the suspects allegedly shot the tyres of the cash-in-transit vehicle and held security officers at gunpoint before fleeing with more than N$800 000 in cash.
Of the money stolen N$628 992.75 belongs to Metro, Shoprite (N$196 989.65) and N$17 184.80 from Hungry Lion.
“The suspects drove away in a white VW Polo bearing a Grootfontein registration number in front and N18095ND at the back and an Opel Corsa N120383W,” explained Shikwambi.
Following a pursuit by the police with the assistance of the neighbourhood watch, two of the six suspects were arrested. The getaway vehicles and a pistol were found abandoned in a garage of a residence on 2nd Avenue in Tsumeb.
Four of the suspects are on the run by foot and the police are pursuing them.
Shikwambi further explained the cash has been recovered. The recovered pistol’s serial number has been tampered with. Vehicles are impounded as police investigations continue in the matter.
“As a force, we applaud everyone involved starting with those who swiftly reported the incident and the swift action by the police and its stakeholders, leading to the successful apprehension and confiscation of the stolen money boxes. Surely, if we collaborate, we will suppress crime and bring suspects to book,” said Shikwambi. – mamakali@nepc.com.na