Breakthrough in cellphone theft cases at the coast

Walvis Bay police have recorded a major breakthrough in a series of cellphone theft cases after recovering 29 suspected stolen devices at a house in Diamond Street, Kuisebmond.



The discovery followed the arrest of a suspect linked to two recent incidents in which iPhones were snatched from victims. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Namibian national Cansley Gamaseb, was recognised by one of the complainants and subsequently arrested.



During interrogation, Gamaseb reportedly led police to a residence where the stolen phones were allegedly taken for iCloud unlocking. A total of 29 cellphones were recovered — 25 iPhones, two Huawei, and two Samsung devices — most of which had been wrapped in foil, allegedly to prevent network tracking.



So far, six iPhones have been claimed by their rightful owners, while 19 iPhones, two Huawei, and two Samsung devices remain unclaimed.



Gamaseb appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on 20 October 2025, where bail was denied. The case was postponed to 20 November 2025 for further investigation. A second suspect connected to the case is still at large.