Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibian Police say they are still uncertain how many suspects were involved in the armed robbery at the Lafrenz TotalEnergies service station, where over N$560,000 was stolen last week.
“There is a bit of a contradiction. Some witnesses say there were three suspects, others say four or even five. Until we get them all, we won’t know how many people were involved,” deputy commissioner Chrispin Mubebo told the Windhoek Observer.
The robbery happened on Wednesday at around 11h00, when armed suspects confronted Southern Cross security officers who were offloading cash for a Standard Bank ATM.
The suspects held the officers at gunpoint, disarmed them of two firearms, and fled with a box of cash.
Before escaping, the suspects fired shots at the security vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Police later recovered a getaway vehicle, a shotgun, and an emptied cash box at the shack of one of the suspected individuals.
No arrests have been made, and the stolen money has not been found.
“Since we have not yet apprehended anybody, it is very difficult for us to indicate whether these people are linked to previous crimes. That can only be determined after we make arrests,” said Mubebo.
He said the police have stepped up efforts to find the suspects, who remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.
“We have intensified the checkpoints. Some members are doing stop and search in different localities. We have circulated the persons we believe are suspects, those we have information about, to be on the lookout for them,” he said.
Mubebo urged the public to assist the police.
“Anyone with information is much welcome to assist the police in tracing these suspects. They should not fear reprisal,” he said.
Police are appealing to the public to report any sightings or tips to deputy commissioner Mubebo at 081 268 8888 or chief inspector Nghilalulwa at 081 256 0988.
The investigation is ongoing.
