Italian tourists kidnapped, robbed at Swakop

Italian tourists on Monday became victims of a violent robbery and kidnapping at Swakopmund.

Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba says two Italian couples, while walking to their temporary accommodation at a local hotel, were accosted by three men who emerged from a vehicle.

One of the assailants pushed a 61-year-old woman, stealing her wallet containing cash.

Her 56-year-old husband was then forcibly taken into the vehicle, even as a hotel guard attempted to intervene.

The police report indicated that the husband was later dropped off at Mondesa by a black vehcile with a fake registration number.

He was found with injuries to his forehead, left eye and arm, but is reported to be in stable condition.

His wife did not sustain any injuries. “The culprits managed to take approximately N$800, 150 euros, credit cards, identity cards, a Nikon camera, a Canon camera, two Samsung cellphones, a watch, spectacles and a ring,” says Shapumba.

He says the estimated value of the stolen property was about N$95 000.

“As of now, no recovery of the stolen items has been reported,” he says.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of tourists in the area, and the police have urged locals and visitors to be vigilant.

“We are currently investigating all leads. We ask anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending these criminals. Our priority is to ensure the safety of both our residents and visitors,” Shapumba says.