Angolan smuggling ring cracked

DURING a single bust, the Swakopmund Police seized stolen electronic equipment worth about N$100 000 from two Angolan nationals over the weekend.

Cellphones, satellite phones, laptop computers and other computer hardware, binoculars, cameras and even electronic shavers were among the items found in a house in Swakopmund after the Police received a tip-off from the public. Swakopmund’s Police Station Commander, Chief Inspector Ottilie Kashipulua, said that most – if not all – the items were stolen during burglaries over the past couple of weeks.It is believed that some of the equipment also belonged to production staff of the ‘Generation Kill’ television series filmed at Swakopmund recently.According to Kashipulua, burglars sell stolen items to the alleged smugglers, who transport them to Angola to sell on the black market there.”This is a problem because it gives criminals a certain incentive to commit these crimes at the expense of our local law-abiding residents, as well as visitors touring our region,” Kashipulua said.”Once again we want to thank the community for the support in giving us information that may lead to the arrest of criminals, and encourage them to continue their support in the fight against crime.”Most of the items’ serial numbers have been recorded.Kashipulua urged people whose homes and offices have been burgled to go to the Police station and present the serial numbers of their stolen goods.Kashipulua can be contacted at 081 250 6821, or Constable Agry Francis at 081 271 9081.Swakopmund’s Police Station Commander, Chief Inspector Ottilie Kashipulua, said that most – if not all – the items were stolen during burglaries over the past couple of weeks.It is believed that some of the equipment also belonged to production staff of the ‘Generation Kill’ television series filmed at Swakopmund recently.According to Kashipulua, burglars sell stolen items to the alleged smugglers, who transport them to Angola to sell on the black market there.”This is a problem because it gives criminals a certain incentive to commit these crimes at the expense of our local law-abiding residents, as well as visitors touring our region,” Kashipulua said.”Once again we want to thank the community for the support in giving us information that may lead to the arrest of criminals, and encourage them to continue their support in the fight against crime.”Most of the items’ serial numbers have been recorded.Kashipulua urged people whose homes and offices have been burgled to go to the Police station and present the serial numbers of their stolen goods.Kashipulua can be contacted at 081 250 6821, or Constable Agry Francis at 081 271 9081.