Police on manhunt for suspected armed robbers

Police in the //Kharas region are on the hunt for suspects involved in two armed robberies last week.

The police have requested the assistance of the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of seven possible suspects involved in the robberies at two farms.

//Kharas regional crime coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says a family was attacked on Wednesday at plot 514 outside Keetmanshoop, when four armed men broke a window to gain entrance to a house.

The suspects went into a bedroom and allegedly attacked Alnyn van Rooyen and his wife Johanni van Rooyen.

While the suspects were busy assaulting the couple, it is reported that their daughter (11) managed to phone their neighbours to inform them of the intruders.

“Upon arrival, the neighbour got into a shoot-out with the suspects, who then fled the crime scene with some stolen items, including a Lenovo laptop, an iPhone and jewellery valued at N$80 000,” says Mbango.

No arrests have been made yet. However, a taxi driver that allegedly picked up the suspects on their way back to Keetmanshoop was held for questioning.

Another armed robbery allegedly took place at Farm Middledam in the Bethanie district on Saturday, where Schalk Liebenberg (61) was assaulted and robbed.

“Three suspects assaulted the farmer, tied him up and demanded the safe keys. They then opened the safe and stole a rifle and other items before they fled with the victim’s vehicle. Police managed to intercept the vehicle as it approached Keetmanshoop. However, the suspects managed to flee on foot with some of the stolen items,” says Mbango.

The victim, who was reportedly living alone at the farm for the past four to five years, was found walking to the nearest neighbours with his hands still tied behind his back.

He was taken to Keetmanshoop for medical treatment.

No arrest has been made yet, and the police investigation continues.