By Loide Jason
OSHAKATI – Residents of Oshinyadhila village near Ongwediva were apparently regaled with free alcohol – and insults – by four young men who allegedly stole N$1.8 million from the house of a businessman in Oshakati West.
According to the Oshana Regional Commander, Commissioner Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa, the thieves also bought two brand-new cars, building materials, furniture and clothing.
They also opened construction and other business outlets – including buying stock for their shebeens – and held a feast the whole weekend. All this was done within five days, police say.
“When they entered shebeens they asked all revellers to order whatever they wanted to drink, starting from soft to hot drinks,” Kashihakumwa told New Era.
“They insulted other villagers, calling them poor people who don’t have money.”
The police however managed to confiscate three of the vehicles including one that was used as a getaway car during the crime, plus furniture, building materials and cash amounting to only N$4 519.
Some goods were recovered from an Ongwediva informal settlement while others were traced to Oshinyadhila village.
Six suspects including two women were arrested. It is alleged that the female suspects were used to store the cash and buy properties.
The suspects are said to be between the ages of 26 and 32.
According to Kashihakumwa, arrests could have been made earlier, but the case was reported late to the police. He however maintained that investigations were still ongoing and was confident that all items bought with the stolen money and the reminder of the N$1.8 million would be recovered.
“We could not get information on time because there was no one at home and that gave ample time to the criminals to run away and initially avoid arrest,” he said.
But the suspects were arrested on Tuesday.
Kashihakumwa said the male suspects are well known in the region because they were all recently released on bail after being arrested on charges of armed robbery, housebreaking and other serious crimes.
The regional commander further maintained that he had warned the business community to refrain from keeping big sums of cash at home, however this warning has fallen into deaf ears.