Armed robbers ambush man at ATM, hijack car

Armed robbers targeted a man withdrawing cash from a Bank Windhoek ATM in Oshakati on Friday morning, firing shots, slashing his car tyres and stealing N$50 000, police said.

Police said during their escape, the group collided with two uninvolved vehicles and fired further shots from their window.

They then threatened the driver of one of the cars, forced her out of her vehicle, and used it as a getaway car.

Police later found the vehicle abandoned in Oshakati West, where the perpetrators likely had another car waiting. Police recovered the weapons used in the robbery, but no arrests have been made.

The armed robbery is just one of several violent crimes, burglaries and accidents recorded by the Namibian police over the weekend.

In Otjomuise, police are investigating a murder after a young man was stabbed to death during an altercation on Saturday night.

According to police, the victim knew the perpetrator and had met him at the scene along with two friends. No arrests have been made yet.

In Windhoek, an investigation is underway after a 39-year-old man was found dead in Hochland Park with a facial wound; alcohol and pills were found near him. The cause of death remains unclear.

Police in Omuthiya are investigating a rape case.

The suspect allegedly assaulted a 25-year-old woman with disabilities while she was on her way home. Although the suspect has been identified, no arrests have been made yet.

Two traffic accidents proved fatal over the weekend. On Saturday, a driver lost control of his vehicle on the C30 near Gobabis, causing it to roll over multiple times. A woman passenger died at the scene.

Near Karibib on Friday evening, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle after, according to police, suddenly stepping onto the road. He succumbed to his injuries; his identity has not yet been established.

Further break-ins

Police also recorded several other break-ins and robberies. In Klein Windhoek, unidentified perpetrators broke into Eros Primary School and stole cash and personal belongings. No arrests have been made.

Near Lizauli in the Zambezi region, a suspect broke into a tent at a lodge and made off with cash, mobile phones, personal items and documents. Only the stolen guests' passports were recovered; no one has been arrested yet. A break-in also occurred near Kongola, about a 25-minute drive further north.

Police also reported break-ins in Ongwediva, Onethindi and Wanaheda, as well as a case of livestock theft at the Bloukrans farm near Aranos.

Investigations into all cases are ongoing.