South African couple robbed at Omaruru – The Namibian


A SOUTH African couple was robbed by five men armed with knives at their home at Omaruru last week.

According to a police report, the robbers broke into their home, tied them up with tape, and stole various items, including clothing, laptops, phones, money and wallets.

They also forced them to transfer money via eWallet.

The robbers then took with them the victims’ white 2014 Hyundai sedan.

The stolen items are valued at about N$340 000.

“Fortunately, they were not hurt during the ordeal. They managed to free themselves from their restraints around 01h50, and went to the police station to report the incident,” said Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba.

Shapumba said the stolen vehicle was later found abandoned at Okahandja.

This incident comes a week after what the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch described as a “well-organised armed invasion” at a residence at Swakopmund’s Ocean View during which Chinese nationals were attacked.

According to an incident report from the neighbourhood watch, the perpetrators gained entry into the home through an open bathroom window, which they accessed after scaling the boundary wall.

The burglars then opened the kitchen door from inside to let in the remaining gang members.

The majority of the culprits made their way upstairs to the bedrooms, while at least two kept watch outside.

The residents were overpowered, and despite not resisting, were beaten and threatened with violence, according to the report.

One male resident was stabbed multiple times in both legs and one hand after attempting to protect his wife.

The suspects demanded valuables, including cellphones, cash, and a laptop.

After finding no other valuable items, they quickly left the residence in the same manner in which they entered.

According to the report, the robbery lasted about 37 minutes, and the suspects got away with the stolen items.

“This is the largest group of suspects that the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch has encountered since its inception, and it is of serious concern,” the report read.

The organisation has urged residents to inform them of all housebreakings or attempted housebreakings, particularly at Ocean View.

Informing the police and security companies is also encouraged, but having the neighbourhood watch visit the scene would assist in gathering critical information, which could help in the effective planning of patrols, the organisation said.

Chief inspector John Mwatongwe yesterday said none of the attackers in both the Omaruru and Swakopmund incidents have been arrested yet.

He urged victims to be aware of every detail, including physical characteristics like scars, marks on hands, and the eye colour of criminals.

Mwatongwe also warned residents not to sleep with open windows.

He said in both cases, the attackers seemed to be aware of their victims’ movements.

His advised the public to keep their money in the bank and not at home to avoid such incidents. He appealed to anyone with information to contact the police.





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