WALVIS BAY – An elderly Italian couple was attacked and robbed by unknown criminals along Libertina Amadhila Street in Swakopmund on Monday evening.
The suspects also kidnapped the husband, forcing him into a black Honda Fit vehicle.
Namibian police spokesperson in Erongo region, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, yesterday said the attack on the elderly couple occurred around 20h00 while they were on their way to a local hotel where they were staying.
“According to eyewitnesses, as the couple approached the hotel, a vehicle carrying three men stopped next to them. The assailants swiftly exited the vehicle and shoved the wife before snatching her small purse that contained some money,” Shapumba said.
He said the assailants then forced the man into the vehicle and drove off with him, much to the horror of his wife.
“The hotel’s guard gave chase, but the criminals managed to drive away, and the police were alerted about the incident. The suspects later dropped off the abducted man in Mondesa before they drove away,” Shapumba said.
He sustained injuries to the forehead, left eye, and left arm during the altercation but is in a stable condition, while his wife did not suffer any physical injuries.
The couple was robbed of N$800 and 150 euros, credit cards, identity cards, a Nikon camera, a Canon camera, two Samsung cell phones, a distinctive blue watch, a pair of spectacles, and a gold ring. The total value of the goods is estimated to be N$95 000.
The police are urging anyone who can identify the suspects or provide information that could lead to their arrest to visit their nearest police station.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na