WINDHOEK – One of three men who allegedly broke into the Swapo head offices on August 2 2014 and stole “confidential documents” was allegedly assaulted last week by a police officer while in custody at the Wanaheda Police Station.
Human rights advocate and director of Namibia’s human rights watchdog, NamRights, Phil Ya Nangoloh, informed New Era on Tuesday that Michael Shomeya, 30, was allegedly assaulted by a constable last week between Thursday and Friday.
Ya Nangoloh said the station commander knows about the incident.
But on the contrary, the head of the Police Public Relations Department, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, informed New Era there “was no assault”.
Ya Nangoloh added that after his organisation intervened, Shomeya was taken to hospital but the police took away his medical report.
“I will deal with the police when I return, I am currently out of town,” Ya Nangoloh added.
Shomeya and his co-accused allegedly forced Edward Simbo, a security guard, into submission by threatening him with firearms and tying him up with ropes on August 02, the charge sheet states.
The other accused are Festus Nhinda, 26, and Simon Shigwedha, 24. They were denied bail in September in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court.
The value of the stolen items was N$21 824.
The three face a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Their right to legal representation was explained to them. All three indicated that they would apply for a government funded lawyer through the Directorate of Legal Aid.
At the time of the burglary there was speculation that the break-in was politically motivated.
Swapo Party was so concerned about the stolen documents that it offered a reward of N$20 000 – later increased to N$35 000 – for any information that would lead to the arrest of the thieves.
During the burglary the suspects got away with “confidential documents,” together with staff laptops, cameras, a TV set and N$18 000 in cash. One of the laptops contained minutes from previous Central Committee and Politburo meetings.