Niël Terblanché
A coordinated response by members of the Namibian Police has led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of stolen items after an armed robbery involving seven individuals unfolded in Karibib.
According to Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the Head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, the incident occurred near FNB in Karibib at approximately 09:15 on Monday.
He indicated that the victims, two security guards from Alpha Security services, were preparing to transport cash collected from Erongo Red offices in Usakos and Karibib to the bank when they fell victim to the daring robbery.
Six male suspects, armed with a knife, ambushed the guards. They held the driver at knifepoint and assaulted his colleague with a service firearm they had wrested from them.
The assailants managed to steal two cellphones and three plastic money transport bins containing cash before making their getaway in a red Polo. The robbers also punctured the front right tire of the security vehicle to hinder pursuit.
Shapumba said that the stolen cash amounted to a total of N$24,624.50.
Crucially, investigators have already made significant progress in recovering stolen property. Among the items retrieved are a gas pistol, one shotgun taken from the security guards, the cover of the driver’s cellphone, as well as his ID and driver’s license. However, the three damaged plastic containers were found empty.
The Polo was found approximately seven kilometres from Karibib towards Omaruru, while the Jetta was located about two kilometres from where the Polo was abandoned, towards Omaruru. Inspector Shapumba said the four remaining suspects are still on the run The police urged the public to come forward with any information that may aid in the apprehension of the remaining suspects and the recovery of the stolen funds.
