ONGWEDIVA – The Oshakati police station have over the past months of the year successfully retrieved eight stolen vehicles.

From January to June, a total of 15 vehicles have been reported stolen from various locations in Oshakati. These include six pick-ups and nine Toyota Corollas.

Oshana regional crime investigation coordinator Hamukoshi Kamati said thieves prefer to steal Toyota Corollas – and the stolen vehicles are mostly found in the Ohangwena region.

“Toyota Corollas are the most targeted because they are easy to unlock and easy to steal; the thieves steal a few parts from the vehicles,” he said.

Kamati said they repatriated two vehicles from Angola – a Toyota Corolla in April and a Toyota Hilux 4x4 in June. Both vehicles were sold to two Angolan nationals.

He maintained the Angolan police and Namibian police greatly work together to find the stolen vehicle when it passes the borders.

“The relationship between the Namibian police and Angolan police is very good; we communicate through WhatsApp and they immediately alert us when they spot any of the stolen vehicles,” said Kamati.

“We are still investigating as to why the vehicles are taken to Angola but we believe the thieves go and sell the cars to Angolan individuals.” 

Last week, the Oshakati police handed over a silver Toyota Corolla to its owner, Primus Amwaama, that was stolen from his residence. The vehicle was discovered hidden in the bushes and recovered the same day.

“I am happy and thankful to the police for finding my car. The police really did its job,” said Amwaama.