Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Police Force has issued a stern warning to young people to refrain from criminal activities, particularly armed robberies, which have seen a disturbing spike recently.
The warning came from Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of NamPol’s public relations division after two violent robbery incidents that occurred on Monday, in Windhoek and Swakopmund, where substantial sums of money were stolen, and a security guard lost his life.
In Swakopmund, a cash-in-transit heist at Platz am Meer Shopping Mall ended tragically when armed robbers shot and killed a 32-year-old security guard, identified as Ernest Araeb.
Araeb, employed by Southern Cross Security Company, was gunned down while on duty, guarding a cash collection from local businesses in the shopping centre.
Eyewitnesses described the violent attack as masked suspects armed with handguns ambushed the guards.
The suspects shot Araeb as he was emerging from the vehicle before fleeing with an estimated N$3.18 million in a silver Toyota Wish.
The vehicle had false registration plates, and despite an intensive search, the police have yet to make any arrests related to the heist.
The second armed robbery took place at the Katutura Shopping Complex in Windhoek where a group of five to six suspects reportedly held security personnel at gunpoint while they were loading cash into a Standard Bank ATM.
The suspects not only stole the cash box, estimated to contain N$430 000 but also disarmed the security guard of his shotgun before escaping in a black Honda Fit.
Shikwambi said one suspect involved in the robbery in Windhoek was arrested and that the stolen shotgun and some of the stolen cash were found in his possession.
She stated that the Namibian Police have doubled down on their commitment to public safety, particularly as the country prepares for the festive season and upcoming elections.
She indicated that patrols and a robust presence in urban centres to ensure a safe environment will be increased.
Shikwambi assured the public that the police are actively working to bring the culprits to justice, encouraging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Addressing the surge in violent crimes involving young offenders, Shikwambi issued a strong message to Namibia’s youth, warning that the path of criminality leads only to severe consequences.
“This is not a game but a serious crime with serious penalties,” she said while reiterating the police’s zero-tolerance stance towards actions that instil fear and disrupt the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens. She also stressed the need for collective responsibility, urging the public to stay vigilant, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and cooperate with authorities to maintain community safety.
“Business owners are also encouraged to seek police assistance when transporting significant amounts of cash, a precaution that can help deter further incidents of violent robberies,” she said.
Shikwambi added that the police are prepared to support such arrangements, ensuring that cash-in-transit activities are conducted under secure circumstances.
