OMARURU- Police in Erongo have arrested three suspects for allegedly pretending to be police officers and scammed an Omaruru pensioner of N$50 000 on Wednesday morning.
The suspects lured the pensioner from his house in the Ozondje location through an organised scam.
According to the police, an unknown man showed up at the victim’s house and asked him to assist in translating a business transaction with a truck driver that was parked next to a church close to the victim’s house.
Inspector Ileni Shapumba on Wednesday said the victim accompanied the suspect until they found the truck driver holding a small bag.
“The driver allegedly indicated that he needed a translator. However, a silver Polo with a fake registration with three men came to join them. As a result, the first two suspects disappeared but left the small bag behind,” Shapumba explained.
According to Shapumba, the three men allegedly told the victim they are undercover police officers, conducting operations and accused the victim of dirty deals with the first two suspects.
“The men then went on and searched the small bag and found fake diamonds. The victim was instructed to get in the vehicle as they will be locked up in the Karibib police holding cells,” Shapumba said.
They then told the victim to pay N$80 000 to destroy his docket and release him from custody.
Shapumba said the victim at this stage told the suspects he only had N$50 000 in the bank. The suspects then took the victim to Standard Bank in Omaruru where he withdrew N$50 000 and give it to the three men.
“They immediately dropped him off close to the railway and drove away. The victim reported the incident to the police and the fake officers were intercepted on their way to Kalkveld. The money was also recovered,” Shapumba indicated.
He said the suspects used a getaway car with three different number plates.
They are expected to appear today in the Omaruru Magistrate’s Court. Police are, however, still looking for the two other suspects in connection with the incident.
- edeklerk@nepc.com.na