Legacy of crime ends in blood and tears
Police intelligence sources said the five suspected robbers killed on Tuesday night in Okahandja had a criminal history and were already on the police radar for previous cases, hence the ease with which they were tracked down.
Through crime intelligence surveillance work, the police knew in advance that a robbery was planned for Okahandja’s JS Slots Gambling House, and a plan was set into motion to foil the plot.
“We have cases in our files against them. In fact, they are a notorious gang that we have been monitoring for a long time,” sources said.
On Tuesday night, members of the serious crime unit and the Windhoek City Police, armed not only with firearms but also details of the plan, drove behind the robbers for over 70 kilometres from Windhoek to Okahandja.
Realising they were being followed, the would-be robbers allegedly sped off in the garden town – leading to a high-adrenaline police chase.
Drew first blood
Police officers involved in the operation claim the suspects drew first blood. The response was fatal as five of the six men died on the spot, with the sole survivor disappearing into the night.
Two pistols were found in the getaway car.
“On NaTIS Road, suspects started shooting at the police vehicle. Members responded back and shot five suspects who died on the spot,” officers told their bosses in a message seen by Namibian Sun.
“Two pistols were found in the car and one suspect ran away. A case is going to be opened soon and the investigation is ongoing. A report will be forwarded a bit later,” officers wrote.
By the time of going to print last night, no formal police statement on the fatal confrontation had been released.
Through crime intelligence surveillance work, the police knew in advance that a robbery was planned for Okahandja’s JS Slots Gambling House, and a plan was set into motion to foil the plot.
“We have cases in our files against them. In fact, they are a notorious gang that we have been monitoring for a long time,” sources said.
On Tuesday night, members of the serious crime unit and the Windhoek City Police, armed not only with firearms but also details of the plan, drove behind the robbers for over 70 kilometres from Windhoek to Okahandja.
Realising they were being followed, the would-be robbers allegedly sped off in the garden town – leading to a high-adrenaline police chase.
Drew first blood
Police officers involved in the operation claim the suspects drew first blood. The response was fatal as five of the six men died on the spot, with the sole survivor disappearing into the night.
Two pistols were found in the getaway car.
“On NaTIS Road, suspects started shooting at the police vehicle. Members responded back and shot five suspects who died on the spot,” officers told their bosses in a message seen by Namibian Sun.
“Two pistols were found in the car and one suspect ran away. A case is going to be opened soon and the investigation is ongoing. A report will be forwarded a bit later,” officers wrote.
By the time of going to print last night, no formal police statement on the fatal confrontation had been released.
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