Windhoek — Kauna Onesmus (49) is physically challenged since childhood and has been getting around with the assistance of a walking aid.

She survives on her monthly government grant of N$500. Little did Kauna know that the arrival of spring would become a nightmare to her after she found herself at the receiving end of what has become the norm in the city of Windhoek, where helpless citizens have become the prey of thugs.

The arrogance of thugs in various parts of the township seems to know no bounds, as they are now targeting vulnerable elderly folks and disabled people to quench their far-fetched greed. Thugs appear to have now identified a few pay points for pensioners as their happy hunting ground.

"They were probably keeping an eye on me while I was withdrawing the money. Three fairly young guys cornered me as soon as I walked out of the old Katutura Post Office near the municipality offices.

"One of them trapped me from behind and grabbed my purse containing all my valuables before setting off on foot," related the shocked middle-aged Katutura resident.

She fumed at the absence of security officers at such places.