ONHUNO – A 44-year-old police sergeant, Dimbulukeveni Namhila, who allegedly killed a truck driver at Onhuno, has been released on bail of N$2 000.

Namhila was released on 23 December after appearing in the Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court for the sixth time.

The case has been postponed to 28 April 2026 for further police investigations. Ohangwena Regional commander, Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa, confirmed this to New Era. She also confirmed that Sergeant Namhila has returned to work, although not at his previous duty station. However, Kashuupulwa declined to disclose his current posting, citing safety reasons.

“Namhila will be subjected to an internal hearing to determine whether he will be dismissed or retained in the police force,” she said. She added that after investigations are completed, Inspector General Joseph Shikongo will make the final decision regarding Namhila’s future in the force.

Namhila was arrested in May last year after he allegedly shot and killed a 40-year-old truck driver, Eliud Hamukwa, at the Onhuno checkpoint during the night.

Hamukwa reportedly died inside his truck after being shot eight times. Sergeant Namhila is represented by a private lawyer.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, the deceased’s family expressed disappointment with the court’s decision to grant bail, saying it was unfair. They said it was too early to release someone accused of killing their relative, especially since a year had not yet passed. Hamukwa’s mother, Loide Shilomboleni, said she was speechless upon hearing about Namhila’s release.

“I am suffering. I have attempted to commit suicide several times. It is not right for a mother to lose her son in such a horrible way,” she said.

Shilomboleni added that her son was the family’s breadwinner and that she is now living in poverty, with no one to fill the gap he left.

“Hamukwa left behind a son who depended on him. This is not fair. Is it because we are poor? How can you release someone who killed my son?” she lamented.

She called on Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa to intervene in the matter. “Namhila has many defenders. Even police officers who were on duty on the day the incident happened, were defending him in court,” she added.

Shilomboleni said it feels as though her son was killed by a ghost, as the law appears to be protecting Namhila.

When approached for comment, IG Shikongo told this journalist that he could not comment at this stage. Shilomboleni further said that one cannot feel the pain of hot water unless it is poured on their own body.

“There are many people who have killed and are still in custody, while others have already been sentenced. Why was Namhila released? This matter should be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission immediately,” she said.

She questioned what would happen if Namhila were to kill again and whether he would still be defended.

“Inspector General Shikongo must answer this question,” she added. Hamukwa’s grandfather also expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case.

“He should have remained in custody until investigations were concluded. As a family, we are unhappy with how the Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court handled this matter,” he said. During Namhila’s court appearances, the deceased’s family members were always present, holding placards and singing songs opposing the granting of bail.

The incident has shocked many community members, who say they are now living in fear, believing that police officers are becoming perpetrators of violence.

A community member from the Oshikango area claims residents are suffering due to police brutality.

“This is a serious case, and it is time for Shikongo to step in,” he said. Since Namhila’s arrest, he had reportedly not been receiving a salary as he was not working. However, police could not confirm whether he will be paid for the months he was suspended.
–fhamalwa@nepc.com.na