Security guard killed during Swakopmund robbery identified

The security guard shot and killed during a cash-in-transit robbery at Swakopmund on Monday has been identified.

Erenst Araeb (42), who worked for Southern Cross Security company, died after the shooting at Platz Am Meer Waterfront.

According to Erongo police chief inspector spokesperson Ileni Shapumba, three security guards from Southern Cross Security were on duty.

After collecting money from various outlets, they parked in the mall’s parking bay at around 11h30.

“It is alleged that while one of the guards was loading money into the vehicle, he was approached by unknown male suspects, who were masked and armed.

“One of the assailants struck the guard on the head with a firearm, while the other suspects began taking cash boxes from the vehicle,” Shapumba says.

One of the gunmen forcefully pulled Araeb, the driver, from the security vehicle and shot him in the head.

Araeb died instantly at the scene.

The suspects, believed to be four in total, then fled in a silver vehicle, which had a fake registration number. They made off with N$348 515.

“No arrests have been made in connection with the Swakopmund robbery, and no recovery of the stolen cash has yet occurred.

“Police investigations are ongoing,” Shapumba says.

In a separate incident, a robbery occurred half an hour later on the same day at the Katutura Shopping Complex in Windhoek.

According to police deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, unknown suspects held up another Southern Cross Security team at gunpoint in front of a Standard Bank ATM.

The robbers made off with an estimated N$430 000 and fired shots into the ceiling as they fled in a black vehicle.

One suspect involved in the Katutura heist has since been apprehended, with authorities recovering the getaway vehicle, a shotgun taken from one of the security guards, a bulletproof vest and N$17 000 in cash.

The suspect was arrested at Hakahana on Monday evening.

“While there are ongoing allegations that the two robberies might be linked, we cannot confirm or deny this at this stage. Investigations in both the Swakopmund and Windhoek robberies are active, and our officers are working tirelessly to bring all suspects to justice,” says Shikwambi.

She has issued a stern warning to those involved in armed robberies.

“They must understand the gravity of their actions. This is no game. Armed robbery is a serious crime, with severe penalties. The Namibian Police will not tolerate actions that instil fear and deprive people of their livelihoods,” she says.