POLICE in //Kharas region have arrested four South African nationals believed to be part of a syndicate that has been defrauding shops and businesses countrywide.
In a media statement on Friday, Namibian Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said the four suspects, whose ages range from 16 to 63, entered Build It hardware store at Keetmanshoop on 27 September pretending to be looking for South African rand in exchange for Namibian dollar notes.
In the process, they allegedly stole N$8 000 cash and drove off in a black seven-seater vehicle.
Shikwambi added that the four suspects were arrested on Wednesday at Keetmanshoop.
“The suspects all reside in Johannesburg,” said Shikwambi.
In a separate incident, N$20 000 was stolen from a Nedbank counter at Swakopmund on 4 October. The suspects allegedly pretended they needed to exchange foreign currency (Spanish Euro) for Namibian dollars. Shikwambi added that the suspects demanded to be issued N$200 notes that they needed to take to their country.
The police have not indicated whether the suspects in this case have been arrested.
On that same day, Shikwambi said, a 38-year-old male Egyptian national was arrested after he was found with a diamond chain valued at N$56 000 at African Art Jewellery at Swakopmund. The suspect allegedly took the complainant’s chain from where it was placed without the owner’s consent and left the shop.Shikwambi warned businesses, banks and the public to be extremely cautious and vigilant. She further urged them to report any suspicious occurrences in their surroundings to the police.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
