A 20-year-old man, believed to be mentally challenged, is currently receiving medical attention at an Oshakati hospital following a series of alleged incidents of malicious damage to property on Tuesday.
The police’s commander in the Oshana region, commissioner Naftal Sakaria, says the incident occurred at around 10h40 at Oikango No 2 village, near Niitembu Primary School in the Ongwediva constituency.
However, Sakaria notes that no formal arrest has been made at this time due to the individual’s condition.
According to Sakaria, the suspect is accused of causing extensive damage at the school and a nearby residence while pupils were heading to the kitchen for their lunch break.
“They then ran back towards their classes, screaming and notifying their teachers and principal. The principal immediately contacted the Ongwediva Police Station for assistance,” he says.
He adds that the suspect also went to the kitchen and poured out the soft porridge intended for the pupils from all three cooking pots.
Sakaria indicates that the suspect allegedly proceeded to a water tap, removed the metal tap post, and moved towards the area where teachers’ vehicles were parked on the southern side of the school.
“Using an Okapi knife, he reportedly slashed the tyres of three vehicles. He further used the metal tap post to smash the windows, windscreens and damage accessories such as indicators and side mirrors of these vehicles,” he adds.
Sakaria says the suspect then proceeded to a nearby residence, where he allegedly smashed a total of 11 windows across eight rooms.
He notes that no damage was sustained to school buildings and no injuries were inflicted on any pupils or teachers during the incident.
He further indicates that the estimated value of the damaged properties exceeds N$500 000.
Police investigations into the matter continue.
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