Five nabbed in Ongwediva armed robbery

Five suspects were arrested by the Oshana police yesterday morning within two hours of an armed robbery at a shop.

Police Commissioner Rauha Amwele confirmed the incident, which took place at the Ongwediva Daily Market.

She said the suspects were arrested near the Ondangwa Airport after abandoning their getaway car and making a run for it.

Amwele said three robbers entered the shop around 08:00. They assaulted and threatened the owner and three employees, demanding money.

They emptied two cash registers, took some other items and fled in a car with an Otjiwarongo registration.

Amwele said just as the suspects took off, members of the public alerted the police.

“All three police stations, Ongwediva, Ondangwa and Oshakati, were informed about the incident and acted promptly,” Amwele said.

She said the suspects’ car was spotted on the Ondangwa-Ongwediva main road. With the police in hot pursuit, the robbers abandoned their car near the Ondangwa Airport.

Amwele said when the five suspects were arrested the police recovered two cash drawers and three bundles of mobile recharge vouchers. She could not say how much money was recovered.

The suspects were found in possession of a pistol and three mobile phones.