KATIMA MULILO – In an attempt to protect his property, the owner of the famous Bezi bar at Katima Mulilo shot and wounded a suspected thief he allegedly found trespassing.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning at the bar located near the Zambezi River.

According to Zambezi police commander Andreas Shilelo, it is alleged the bar owner shot the victim with a pistol and the victim sustained open wounds on the face.

Shilelo added, upon police investigation, it was established that the owner of the Bezi bar has experienced several break-ins at the bar and was guarding his premises when he saw a suspicious person entering the bar from the back. 

“He requested the person to stop but the victim started to run away. In an attempt to stop him, he fired several shots including warning shots whereby the victim was struck by a bullet that left open wounds on the left and right sides of the face,” Shilelo reported.

Police said it was established that the victim is an employee of Shilimela security company deployed to guard at Katima farm and is a resident of Katima farm near the river.

Shilelo said the fire arm is licensed under the name of the suspect. It was confiscated and booked in.

Police also reported that five empty cartridges were found at the scene and have been picked as exhibits.

The victim has been identified as Shakanda Chika, a 36-year-old man. He is currently admitted at Katima Mulilo state hospital in a stable condition.

The bar owner is Kabende Kabende, a Namibian male aged 37. Kabende has not been arrested but he has since opened a case of trespassing against the victim. 

Shilelo said a joint investigation will be conducted and both cases will be forwarded to the prosecutor general for a decision.