A family of 13 from Omutemo village in Ohangwena region was forced to flee their home and seek refuge at the Endola police station after their mentally ill relative allegedly threatened to kill them with an axe.
The incident occurred on Sunday.
According to Ohangwena police spokesperson warrant officer Andrew Nghiyolwa, the 38-year-old man escaped from the psychiatric ward of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and returned home.
Upon arrival, the man allegedly armed himself with axes and threatened to kill his family members.
The family immediately reported the matter to the police, who helped relocate them to the station for their safety.
It is alleged that by the time officers arrived at the homestead, the suspect had fled.
A search operation was launched, and with the help of community members, the man was apprehended on Tuesday.
A case of assault by threat has been opened against the suspect.
He has since been returned to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and the family has also returned to their home.
Police have urged guardians to ensure relatives with mental illnesses take their medication as prescribed and receive proper care.
Overcrowded
Approached for comment, Dr Ruben Kanime, Medical Superintendent of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, said the psychiatric ward is facing several challenges, particularly a lack of adequate security.
“Our psychiatric unit is overcrowded, and it is difficult to monitor all the patients,” he said.
“Currently, we rely on private security personnel, but they are not enough.”
Kanime added that it would be ideal for the government to build a dedicated mental health hospital in the northern regions, as the number of patients has significantly increased.
Families living with mentally ill relatives say they live in constant fear of being attacked. Neighbours and children also live in fear, as the environment is not safe for them.
Community members are encouraged to immediately alert the police if they notice anyone showing signs of mental illness, to avert tragedies.
Similarly, community members have appealed to the government to build more psychiatric wards in each region so that more patients can be accommodated.
They said despite taking medication, people with mental illness should not stay in public spaces, especially where children and the elderly are present.
Last month, the community at Oshikuyu village in the Ohangwena region was left reeling from shock after a mentally ill man attacked members of his own family with a panga, killing his 88-year-old grandmother and seriously injuring two other family members aged seven and 14.
Other incidents in Ongenga constituency this year include a 64-year-old man who was stabbed to death by his mentally ill son at Okapumbu village.
At Eengwena village, a 73-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her mentally ill grandson, while at Onakaholo village, two minors were killed by a mentally challenged man last year.
In another incident at Onghala B village, a 27-year-old man was admitted to a psychiatric ward after attempting to kill his parents.
Two weeks ago, in Endola village, a 35-year-old man locked himself inside his sleeping room and burnt it.
Police said he was armed with a knife and intended to harm his relatives.
In the Oshana region, a 24-year-old man was admitted to a psychiatric unit after he went to a school, vandalised a teacher’s vehicle, and damaged classroom windows.