Police warn of ATM robberies
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
The Namibian Police are warning the public to be extra vigilant, as they have recorded an increase in cases where people are robbed of cash after visiting a bank or an ATM to withdraw money.
One of these cases was an incident at Maerua Mall Lifestyle Centre in Windhoek where a 48-year-old South African woman was robbed of N$20 000 on 18 September.
According to the police, the robber convinced the woman to put her bank card in the ATM machine and then ran away with it and withdrew N$20 000. The suspect is unknown and no recovery has been made.
In another incident at Oshivelo, it is alleged that a 34-year-old woman stole a man’s SIM card and his ATM card and spend N$153 266 from 2017 to September this year. Apparently, they were both staying at Etosha National Park and the suspect used to assist the man with different things as he is illiterate. This is how she apparently obtained access to his bank PIN.
Attacked in taxi
In a recent case of robbery with aggravating circumstances, which was reported in Oshakati, a 46-year-old man withdrew N$30 000 from his bank and decided to deposit N$25 000 at a nearby ATM.
After making the deposit, he put the remaining money in his pocket and took a taxi. It is alleged that two other men who were nearby also boarded the taxi and asked to be dropped off at a certain venue.
When the taxi arrived at the venue, one of the passengers started fighting with the taxi driver and during this another vehicle stopped and two of their occupants punctured the rear tyre of the taxi.
They then attacked the man with the money by stabbing him in both arms and robbing him of his backpack.
Be careful
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi says the public is urged to be extremely vigilant at all times.
She says people should rather use online payment services when making transactions, or invite a trusted person to accompany them when making large withdrawals.
“Be extra cautious when using public transport,” said Shikwambi.
She said as the festive season approaches, criminals are using every opportunity to earn quick money through robberies and burglaries.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
The Namibian Police are warning the public to be extra vigilant, as they have recorded an increase in cases where people are robbed of cash after visiting a bank or an ATM to withdraw money.
One of these cases was an incident at Maerua Mall Lifestyle Centre in Windhoek where a 48-year-old South African woman was robbed of N$20 000 on 18 September.
According to the police, the robber convinced the woman to put her bank card in the ATM machine and then ran away with it and withdrew N$20 000. The suspect is unknown and no recovery has been made.
In another incident at Oshivelo, it is alleged that a 34-year-old woman stole a man’s SIM card and his ATM card and spend N$153 266 from 2017 to September this year. Apparently, they were both staying at Etosha National Park and the suspect used to assist the man with different things as he is illiterate. This is how she apparently obtained access to his bank PIN.
Attacked in taxi
In a recent case of robbery with aggravating circumstances, which was reported in Oshakati, a 46-year-old man withdrew N$30 000 from his bank and decided to deposit N$25 000 at a nearby ATM.
After making the deposit, he put the remaining money in his pocket and took a taxi. It is alleged that two other men who were nearby also boarded the taxi and asked to be dropped off at a certain venue.
When the taxi arrived at the venue, one of the passengers started fighting with the taxi driver and during this another vehicle stopped and two of their occupants punctured the rear tyre of the taxi.
They then attacked the man with the money by stabbing him in both arms and robbing him of his backpack.
Be careful
Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi says the public is urged to be extremely vigilant at all times.
She says people should rather use online payment services when making transactions, or invite a trusted person to accompany them when making large withdrawals.
“Be extra cautious when using public transport,” said Shikwambi.
She said as the festive season approaches, criminals are using every opportunity to earn quick money through robberies and burglaries.
[email protected]
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