Oshakati Robbery Suspect Arrested After Being Shot by Police During Confrontation

Details of the Confrontation

Commissioner Sakaria stated that the suspect attempted to evade arrest and engaged in a physical confrontation with officers. When ordered to stop, the suspect allegedly escalated the situation. He took an empty beer bottle and a stone to hit the officer. He then ran back to the police with a knife, Sakaria reported. In response to the threat, the officer fired three warning shots into the air. When the suspect continued his advance, a fourth bullet was fired, striking the suspect in the leg. The suspect is currently facing charges of robbery, assault by threat against a police officer, and possession of a dangerous weapon. While recovering in the hospital, the suspect expressed regret for his actions. I was just supposed to handle myself as my other friends did, he told reporters.

Investigation and Evidence Recovered

The arrest was part of a broader operation targeting a group of individuals suspected of terrorizing the Oshakati area. On the day of the shooting, police arrested three men. Two of the suspects, identified as 37-year-old Petrus Nambundunga and 30-year-old Eliaser Kalumbi, appeared in court on Friday, where their case was postponed to 29 September for further investigation. One additional suspect remains at large. During the operation, police seized a white Polo Vivo and several items found in the vehicle: * A panga (machete) * A homemade tool for breaking into cars and houses * A remote control device used for jamming vehicle and gate locking systems * A USB drive * A Bank Windhoek plastic bag containing N$5 coins totaling N$300 * An A4 page containing various telephone numbers, as well as multiple sets of clothing and hats. Authorities noted that the vehicle involved was displaying a number plate that did not correspond with its license disc. Commissioner Sakaria indicated that the police have received footage of a similar vehicle linked to criminal activity in Windhoek’s Hochland Park area from several days prior to the arrest.

Regional Police Appeal

The Oshana police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in addressing local crime. Commissioner Sakaria urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue providing information to the police to assist in ongoing efforts to maintain public safety. While the Oshakati suspect remains under judicial process, police continue to track the remaining individual connected to the Oshakati group. Officials have reiterated their commitment to investigating these cases thoroughly and have called for any further leads that could assist in apprehending outstanding suspects.