Windhoek — Five men, who stand accused of robbing a shebeen-cum-shop at Omungondo in Otjinene Constituency last Saturday, were refused bail when they appeared in the Gobabis Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Willem Angombe (32), Manuel Hishikushitja (25), Samuel Sakarias Elias (30), Davis Hilwa (22) and Moses Junius (25) were not asked to plead and their case was postponed to March 4 for further investigation.

It is alleged the five entered the shop/shebeen and tied up the proprietor at gunpoint. They then stole groceries and other valuables worth more than N$6 000. They also made off with about N$32 000 in cash, it is believed.

Commissioner Abel told New Era that after the alleged robbers left, the unfortunate owner of the shop/shebeen, managed to free himself and alerted the police. Abel said the police immediately surrounded the area and managed to apprehend the suspects.

He explained that all the stolen goods were recovered and that the pistol used in the robbery was also confiscated. Also at Otjinene, police discovered 15.730kg of dagga at a house, wrapped neatly in parcels and worth N$47 190 after a tip-off from the public.

Five people were originally arrested, but four were eventually discharged after their first appearance in the Gobabis Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

According to Commissioner Abel, the main suspect Wilfred Hambira pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to five years in prison without the option of a fine.