Police officers under investigation for assault, theft

An unspecified number of police officers at Otjiwarongo are under investigation after allegedly assaulting a man and stealing his money on Sunday.

The incident happened at around 03h00.

Video footage on social media shows police officers escorting the man to a toilet at a service station where they allegedly assaulted him.

According to Otjozondjupa police spokesperson Maureen Mbeha, the case includes assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and an extra charge of theft of money.

Mbeha said several police officers were on duty at the time and only investigations would establish who was involved.

Mbeha added that nobody is above the law.

A family member of the victim, whose name is being withheld, told The Namibian her relative, who is a Kamanjab Village Council employee, was assaulted inside the toilet at the service station.

She also said his vehicle was driven and hit a truck.

“The police officers also withdrew money from his bank account.
“This should not go unpunished. The law must take its course,” the relative said.

The man was taken to see private doctors on Monday.