David Matheus Shitongeni
Multitudes of housebreaking and theft incidents were reported across the country over the weekend, with police confirming several major cases involving armed perpetrators and expensive property losses.
In the early hours of Friday, four suspects, two allegedly carrying rifles, rushed into a textile shop in Chinatown, Katutura. The incident occurred around 03h30 on New Castle Street while three victims were asleep inside the premises.
The intruders held the victims at gunpoint before walking away with N$300 000 in cash, a gun, ammunition, a diamond ring and other jewellery valued at approximately N$681 000.
The police investigation continues, as no suspects have been found.
Later, in the evening in Windhoek’s Hochland Park suburb, two armed criminals broke into a backyard flat around 22h30. The culprits, one holding a firearm and the other a knife, held two victims at gunpoint and locked them in the bathroom.
They fled with a television set, five suits, four pairs of shoes, two laptops, a Nokia phone and TV speakers, all valued at N$122 000.
Police confirmed that no suspects have been arrested yet.
Meanwhile, in the northern side of the country, a suspicious individual was arrested in connection with a housebreaking case in Oilyateko village, Ondobe district. The crime occurred between an unknown date in May and 4 July. It was noticed that plastic drums, concrete engine machines and a red jigsaw tool were missing.
The total value of the stolen items was N$23 710.
Police recovered a red jigsaw and a metal plate. The 21-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Ohangwena Magistrate›s Court on Monday.
In Rehoboth, the police reported an unidentified suspect who broke into a residence in Block E around 01h30 on Saturday. The perpetrator stole a JVC audio system, a 40-inch Sinotec TV, a Samsung A03 cell phone, a small audio player and N$600 in cash.
The total loss is valued at N$19 450. Police have not made any arrests yet, and investigations are still ongoing. The Namibian Police Force is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in the ongoing investigations. For tips and information related to these or other crimes, contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop hotline at 10111.