Bail has been denied for the five men arrested in connection with an armed robbery at the Big Boss Casino Bar in Mondesa, Swakopmund.

The suspects — Jeremiah Vataleni Shimwoomwengo (34), Korbin Naunyango (40), Hans Natangwe Uuyage (29), Petrus Kanisuis (28), and Sam Tobias Kondjeni (31) — appeared in court on Wednesday.

They are charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances and malicious damage to property, following the incident that occurred on Saturday around 21:30 in the Tulinawa location.

According to the police, seven suspects stormed the casino, armed with firearms, knives, and pangas. They allegedly threatened the complainant and customers, forcing everyone to lie on the ground.

The suspects reportedly stole money from the cash register, broke open three gambling machines, and took a money box containing about N$8,000. They also allegedly took ten cellphones from customers and keys to a betting machine.

The total estimated loss, including cash and damages, amounts to N$168,300.

The State opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. It also noted that two of the accused have pending murder cases in Walvis Bay and are considered repeat offenders. Authorities fear the suspects could interfere with ongoing investigations, as two accomplices are still at large.

The case was postponed to 25 June to allow the accused to apply for legal aid.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the two remaining suspects is urged to contact Detective Senior Inspector Johny Geiseb at 081 262 9842, Detective Inspector Cletius Kabuku at 081 391 0671, or the nearest police station.

Police investigations are ongoing.