Rundu police say street gangs under control
Kenya Kambowe
Rundu
Kavango East police crime coordinator, deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, has announced that an ongoing aggressive police operation has put an end to the reign of terror that a group of teenagers had inflicted upon the riverside town’s residents for several months last year.Last year, Namibian Sun reported that for months, Rundu residents were targeted on an almost daily basis by a group of teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, who would assault and rob residents while roaming the streets.
Some victims alleged that the gang would attempt to force cheap cell phones, known as ‘Tamagotchis’, into their mouths.
Among those targeted were police officers.
The juveniles stole smartphones and other valuable gadgets to sell these for a quick profit.
Hard work pays off
However, last week, Kanyetu said that police had been able to end the spate of crimes committed by the gang of teenagers.
Kanyetu credited the restoration of peace to police discipline, arrests, and community cooperation.
“Some of them have been punished by the court. We are still looking for others, so we can arrest them,” Kanyetu said.
“The people are saying that they are sleeping peacefully now, but we are still looking for those others. We told the communities that if they see any group of young boys, they must inform us, and we will monitor them. We want to make Rundu a crime-free town,” he said.
“There is no time to relax,” he added. “We are working from all suburbs, patrolling and making sure we carry out our mandate of providing safety to the residents.”Darkness
Many areas in Rundu are very dark at night due to a widespread lack of functioning street lights.
The absence of street lights has made it easy for criminals to target their victims, Kanyetu said.
Most of the attacks occurred late at night when bar and nightclub patrons, often inebriated, attempted to make their way home.
Kanyetu called upon residents to avoid walking alone and instead walk in groups to avoid becoming victims.
Namibian Sun reported that after the residents became alert to the danger on the streets, the gangs switched to robbing houses. To intimidate homeowners, these groups targeted homes in large numbers, hoping to scare off owners.
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Rundu
Kavango East police crime coordinator, deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, has announced that an ongoing aggressive police operation has put an end to the reign of terror that a group of teenagers had inflicted upon the riverside town’s residents for several months last year.Last year, Namibian Sun reported that for months, Rundu residents were targeted on an almost daily basis by a group of teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, who would assault and rob residents while roaming the streets.
Some victims alleged that the gang would attempt to force cheap cell phones, known as ‘Tamagotchis’, into their mouths.
Among those targeted were police officers.
The juveniles stole smartphones and other valuable gadgets to sell these for a quick profit.
Hard work pays off
However, last week, Kanyetu said that police had been able to end the spate of crimes committed by the gang of teenagers.
Kanyetu credited the restoration of peace to police discipline, arrests, and community cooperation.
“Some of them have been punished by the court. We are still looking for others, so we can arrest them,” Kanyetu said.
“The people are saying that they are sleeping peacefully now, but we are still looking for those others. We told the communities that if they see any group of young boys, they must inform us, and we will monitor them. We want to make Rundu a crime-free town,” he said.
“There is no time to relax,” he added. “We are working from all suburbs, patrolling and making sure we carry out our mandate of providing safety to the residents.”Darkness
Many areas in Rundu are very dark at night due to a widespread lack of functioning street lights.
The absence of street lights has made it easy for criminals to target their victims, Kanyetu said.
Most of the attacks occurred late at night when bar and nightclub patrons, often inebriated, attempted to make their way home.
Kanyetu called upon residents to avoid walking alone and instead walk in groups to avoid becoming victims.
Namibian Sun reported that after the residents became alert to the danger on the streets, the gangs switched to robbing houses. To intimidate homeowners, these groups targeted homes in large numbers, hoping to scare off owners.
[email protected]
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