Erling Havnå, 68, has finally admitted to his involvement in the armed robbery of Postens Brevsenter in Oslo, an event that took place 23 years ago. The confession, delivered during a new episode of Krimpodden, marks the first time Havnå has spoken openly about his role in the shock raid.
The Raid at Postens Brevsenter
The crime occurred on a dark October evening in 2003. Robbers stormed the center in Oslo city center, taking two hostages and forcing them to lead the way to the fourth floor where the valuables were kept.
The perpetrators were equipped with coveralls, gloves, and balaclavas. They were heavily armed with at least two automatic weapons, including a Kalashnikov.
The Role of “Sleggemannen”
Havnå’s specific task was to clear the path into the premises. He achieved this by using a sledgehammer, a role that eventually earned him the moniker “Sleggemannen.”
Despite the intensity of the raid, the robbers escaped with 401,893 kroner, an amount significantly lower than most of the group had expected. A shootout occurred with police as the robbers fled the building.
The criminals left the sledgehammer behind at the scene. Police later discovered Havnå’s DNA on the tool, as well as on a black bag left inside the premises.
A Long-Term Denial
Although Havnå was convicted of the robbery three years later, he maintained his innocence for nearly two decades. During a 2006 Court of Appeal hearing, he claimed he had nothing to do with the crime.
Havnå now explains that his silence was intended to protect his mother, who worked at Posten. He feared that an admission would lead others to believe he had obtained inside information from her.
Escalation and the Nokas Robbery
Before his eventual arrest, Havnå participated in another major crime: the Nokas robbery in Stavanger in April 2004. The modus operandi was nearly identical, featuring coveralls, balaclavas, and heavy weaponry, including AG3s, MP5 submachine guns, and Kalashnikovs.
The Nokas raid was far more brutal. During the event, 113 shots were fired at a secured window, and the violence resulted in the death of Police First Lieutenant Arne Sigve Klungland.
Havnå was arrested three months after the Nokas robbery. He was eventually sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in both the Oslo and Stavanger raids.
Potential Implications
Although Havnå has already served his sentence, this admission could potentially lead to new perspectives on the coordination between these two major robberies. It may too provide a complete factual record for the victims and families involved.
Future discussions regarding the case may focus on the psychological drivers that led a man with a previously clean record to commit such violent acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Erling Havnå deny the robbery for so long?
Havnå stated that his mother worked at Posten and he did not want people to think he had received information from her to facilitate the crime.
What was Havnå’s specific role during the Oslo raid?
His task was to use a sledgehammer to break into the premises, which is why he is referred to as “Sleggemannen.”
What was the legal outcome for Erling Havnå?
Havnå was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in both the Postens Brevsenter robbery and the Nokas robbery.
Does a confession given decades after a sentence has been served provide true closure for the victims of such crimes?
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