NDF members steal AK47s from military

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEKTwo members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) were arrested on Saturday after stealing at least nine AK47 assault rifles from the NDF since 2018.Another civilian was also arrested for trying to sell one of the AK47s to a member of the public.The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, and a case of theft, possession of firearms, dealing in firearms and defeating the course of justice has been opened.According to the police, a 31-year-old lance corporal attached to the NDF and a civilian were arrested on Saturday afternoon in Greenwell Matongo when they tried to sell an AK47 to a member of the public. Homes searchedThe homes of both suspects were searched and another AK47 was found under the bed of the lance corporal.In addition, a leather pistol holster and fake revolver was found in his bedroom. He is employed at the NDF in Windhoek as an armour store clerk.According to the police, upon questioning him on where he got the rifles from, he indicated that he stole them from the NDF this year.He further said he also stole seven other rifles between 2018 to 2021. Car confiscatedThe police added that prior to his arrest, knowing that the police were looking for him, he informed a 33-year-old friend, who is also a member of NDF, to drive away with his motor vehicle.The vehicle was used to transport the stolen firearms from the base premises or store it in public domains. The vehicle was, however, later surrounded by the police, confiscated and booked as an exhibit.The two AK47s, the fake revolver and leather holster were also booked as exhibits.Although the three arrested suspects are known, no court case has been registered for their first appearance yet and therefore their names cannot be published. Weapons missingMeanwhile, the police said it is alleged that various firearms at NDF weapon store in Windhoek are missing. Police investigations continue.“The value of everything lost at NDF is unknown so far and a confirmatory proof of findings is yet to be received.”Questions sent to the NDF regarding the incident, action to be taken against the NDF members and investigations into amount and value of firearms that have been stolen went unanswered by the time of going to press.NDF’s major Hendrik Swartbooi said they would only be able to give an official response today.

NDF members steal AK47s from military

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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NDF members steal AK47s from military

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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