WALVIS BAY – The community of Spitzkoppe is demanding answers from the Namibian police after tour guide Melvin Areseb, was allegedly severely assaulted by three officers who responded to an altercation in the area.

Areseb (44) has been recovering in the Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek for the past three weeks. He has already undergone three operations after sustaining serious internal injuries during what his family describes as a brutal assault by the three officers.

Areseb, a father of five children including a toddler, worked as a guide in Spitzkoppe and is the sole breadwinner for his family. 

His girlfriend told New Era the attack has left them devastated, as his condition has worsened since the incident. He remains unable to use the toilet naturally and is in constant pain.

The chain of events started when Areseb was involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend, Nicoletter Hoabes, her mother, and brother on the evening of 22 August. Family members confirmed there was a scuffle between the siblings, who tried to intervene in the argument between the couple.

As a result, the police were called to calm the situation.

However, Hoabes, speaking from the hospital yesterday where she is caring for Areseb, said the police officers arrived at 03h00 when they were already asleep. 

“They knocked on the door and asked for Areseb. He was taken outside, kicked several times, and thrown into the van,” Hoabes said.

“They stopped several times along the road to Usakos to beat him further. They kicked him and assaulted him as if he was a criminal. He was badly injured,” she added.

The family also alleges the beatings were extreme and brutal, leaving Areseb in unbearable pain. He was released the following day and dropped off along the B1 road in Usakos without any charges laid. Struggling with his injuries, he attempted to hitch-hike back to Spitzkoppe with two other travellers but could only make it as far as a farm called Sadamab.

From there, community members rushed him to the Usakos State Hospital.

“Due to the seriousness of his injuries, he was transferred to Windhoek for emergency surgery. He underwent three operations after severe internal bleeding as well as a burst appendix,” family members told New Era.

According to family members, they did not profer any charges against Areseb but only wanted the police to detain him for the evening and warn him.

“We did not expect this type of outcome. We feel very bad that he is in this state. The police must explain why he was beaten so badly,” the family said.

Also speaking yesterday to New Era, Areseb said he has difficulty passing stool and was fitted with a stoma bag, which he will have to use for the next six months.

“I am very disappointed that the police, instead of treating me as a human being, treated me like a dog. They have robbed me of my livelihood. How will I be able to work and feed my family?” he asked.

When contacted for comment, Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula told New Era a team was dispatched to Usakos to investigate the allegations levelled against the police.

“Only after we gather information will we be able to comment on the matter,” she said.