Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Werner Menges
Published on 2024-02-25 06:00:00
The revelation that senior Windhoek City Police and Namibian Police officials allegedly booked a City Police vehicle for a police informant to transport five suspects who were later killed at Okahandja last year has brought a new twist to the case. The police informant, who was the sixth suspect and the only one to escape the shooting, is suspected to have collaborated with the police to trap the five deceased individuals. The involvement of top city police and Namibian Police bosses in facilitating the booking of the vehicle used in the robbery attempt has raised questions about the police’s role in the incident.
It has been alleged that the suspect who escaped the shooting was working together with the police. Both Windhoek City Police head Leevi Ileka and Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo declined to comment on the matter, citing an ongoing investigation. The case, which involves the killing of the suspects now known as the ‘Okahandja Five’, has attracted attention from the public and political figures like Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) economic commissar Michael Amushelelo, who accuse the police of covering up the case.
In response, Shikongo stated that two critical statements related to the investigation have been obtained, leaving only one witness statement pending. Additionally, the sixth suspect in the case was located several months after the incident, and his statement was also obtained. Shikongo mentioned that laboratory results have been finalized, and the docket is expected to be submitted to the prosecutor general for consideration.
Despite the allegations implicating some police officers in corrupt activities, including planting drugs in the car of Namibian Petroleum Corporation board chairperson Jennifer Comalie, Shikongo stated that there was no evidence of police involvement in the case. Amushelelo claimed that there was a conspiracy orchestrated by suspended managing director Immanuel Mulunga to frame Comalie, but Mulunga denied the allegations and distanced himself from the deceased individuals reportedly involved in the plot.
A high-level meeting of police officials was held to address the unauthorized disclosure of the post-mortem report related to one of the individuals killed at Okahandja. Shikongo warned against leaking sensitive information and emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality in police investigations. The post-mortem examination report revealed multiple gunshot wounds on the victim, leading to the conclusion that the manner of death was assault due to gunshot wounds.
Deputy inspector general Elias Mutota released a statement regarding the incident, stating that a murder case was registered against the involved police officers, while a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property was registered against the sixth suspect who fled the scene. The suspects, who had a history of criminal offenses, were allegedly involved in a planned armed robbery that led to a fatal encounter with police officers in Okahandja.
The family members of the victims have accused the police of intentionally killing the suspects under the guise of crime prevention. Despite the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, the case has raised concerns about police misconduct and accountability. As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments in the case to uncover the truth behind the ‘Okahandja Five’ incident.
Read the original article on The Namibian
