Panga robbery broadcast live
STAFF REPORTER
Three robbers armed with a panga were caught red-handed in Swakopmund yesterday morning. One elderly victim was hospitalised after sustaining serious injuries.
The three armed men stormed a house in Swakopmund yesterday morning and attacked the two residents - but several people observed the entire incident during an online Zoom meeting.
According to Inspector Iileni Shapumba of the Erongo police, the robbery took place sometime around 08:00 in Agapanthus Street in the Ocean View residential area.
“The couple were at home when three men forcibly entered the house. They attacked Riaan Booysen (67) severely and hit him with clenched fists and panga,” Shapumba said.
The attackers held Elizabeth Rossouw’s (65) arms and threatened her, demanding cash and the key to the safe.
What the robbers did not know was that Rossouw was taking part in online fitness training session at the time, which was broadcast live.
“The other participants observed the entire incident and immediately notified the members of the Swakopmund neighbourhood watch, who together with Namibian Police members (Crime Prevention Unit) responded promptly and arrested all three suspects,” Shapumba said.
Vigilance
He applauded the training participants for their vigilance and prompt action in reporting the matter.
“This commendable effort is worth emulating. We also applaud everyone involved for an excellent coordination that led to successful arrest of the robbers,” he added.
While Rossouw was treated for shock at the scene, Booysen was admitted to a local hospital. His condition was described as stable in the afternoon.
It is not known whether the robbers are the same ones who carried out a robbery at the smallholding Goanikontes East a week ago.
According to Erongo police spokesman Erastus Iikuyu, the investigation is still in the early stages.
“We are exploring all possibilities,” he said yesterday.
There were apparently five robbers involved in the attack on Goanikontes East.
Another success
This is the second police success reported in Swakopmund this week.
Two suspects in a series of break-ins at houses in the coastal town were arrested on Monday.
Three robbers armed with a panga were caught red-handed in Swakopmund yesterday morning. One elderly victim was hospitalised after sustaining serious injuries.
The three armed men stormed a house in Swakopmund yesterday morning and attacked the two residents - but several people observed the entire incident during an online Zoom meeting.
According to Inspector Iileni Shapumba of the Erongo police, the robbery took place sometime around 08:00 in Agapanthus Street in the Ocean View residential area.
“The couple were at home when three men forcibly entered the house. They attacked Riaan Booysen (67) severely and hit him with clenched fists and panga,” Shapumba said.
The attackers held Elizabeth Rossouw’s (65) arms and threatened her, demanding cash and the key to the safe.
What the robbers did not know was that Rossouw was taking part in online fitness training session at the time, which was broadcast live.
“The other participants observed the entire incident and immediately notified the members of the Swakopmund neighbourhood watch, who together with Namibian Police members (Crime Prevention Unit) responded promptly and arrested all three suspects,” Shapumba said.
Vigilance
He applauded the training participants for their vigilance and prompt action in reporting the matter.
“This commendable effort is worth emulating. We also applaud everyone involved for an excellent coordination that led to successful arrest of the robbers,” he added.
While Rossouw was treated for shock at the scene, Booysen was admitted to a local hospital. His condition was described as stable in the afternoon.
It is not known whether the robbers are the same ones who carried out a robbery at the smallholding Goanikontes East a week ago.
According to Erongo police spokesman Erastus Iikuyu, the investigation is still in the early stages.
“We are exploring all possibilities,” he said yesterday.
There were apparently five robbers involved in the attack on Goanikontes East.
Another success
This is the second police success reported in Swakopmund this week.
Two suspects in a series of break-ins at houses in the coastal town were arrested on Monday.
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