The Oshana police have confiscated items from a residence in Ongwediva following suspicions of illegal pawn transactions.

Laptops, televisions, gas cylinders, stoves, cigarettes and other household goods were confiscated at a residence of an Angolan national.

The items were allegedly brought there in exchange for money.

Oshana Police Commander Andreas Shilelo said the police acted on a tip-off from members of the public who had become concerned about the movement of various goods into his house.

“At the end of the day, we will invite the community to come and identify the goods. I have already received a call from the scene, informing me that an individual has two speakers and a laptop that were stolen from his home. We also observed some cellphones that were brought here on 30 September, indicating that this gentleman is well known in the area for purchasing stolen items.”

Commissioner Shilelo warned members of the public against engaging in unregistered pawn transactions, as they could facilitate the illegal exchange of stolen goods.

“This gentleman has constructed his house in such a way that he has an upper level where we found Telecom equipment. He also has an underground room where he sleeps, and it is in this room that we discovered some of the items. Access to this underground area is difficult because he has installed metal doors. This design allows him to conduct his illicit business more discreetly.”

The police also confiscated an undisclosed amount of money allegedly collected from a bar that operates without a valid liquor license.

“The police will make a case so that this gentleman will appear before the court to tell us how he conducts this business that encourages the youth, and many people who are stealing in town to come to sell here.”