Niël Terblanché
THE Namibian Police arrested seven members of a robbery gang that has been terrorising residents of Windhoek for the past few weeks.
According to the head of the NamPol’s Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the seven members of the gang was arrested during two different operations by quick actions of detectives investigating the series of armed robberies in Windhoek.
The incident that led to the arrest of the entire gang occurred at a house in Ichaboe Street in the Rocky Crest residential area of Windhoek on Friday morning.
“It is alleged that three suspects broke into the complainant’s house using a crowbar and stole a television set, two smartphones, a power bank, a purse, a watch, a pair of sunglasses and a computer. The combined value of the stolen items is estimated to be worth N$120 000.
Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi said the police were alerted and during a search for the suspects all properties were recovered and three members of the Panga Gang were arrested. She said the suspects are two 35-year-old men and a 38-year-old man.
“The arrest of the first three panga robbers led to the arrest of four more suspects. These criminals were robbing people whilst armed with machetes in Windhoek. The arrested suspects are linked to five other armed robbery cases in Windhoek,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi said that two stolen cell phones were also recovered during the follow-up operation.
She said that arresting officers also impounded a silver Honda Fit with registration number N190249W that the suspects used in the commissioning of their crimes.
Shikwambi indicated that the seven suspects are expected to appear in the Windhoek Magistrate Court on Monday.
The police also arrested two men on charges of burglary on Saturday.
According to Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi, two men armed with knives entered the Icon Self Catering Apartments in Jan Jonker Road and robbed a woman residing in one of the units.
“It is alleged that armed men threaten the complainant with knives and robbed her of R800, €135, and N$60 in cash, a laptop computer, clothing, a camera, and an iPhone. The stolen items are valued at N$39 910.
“The police were alerted and during a search ensued. Al the stolen items and money were recovered when the suspects were arrested.
The two arrested suspects are also scheduled to make their appearance in court on charges of breaking and entering and theft.
