ONGWEDIVA – The Angolan consulate has approached the Ohangwena police to investigate the incident in which an Angolan national sustained serious head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by Namibian police officers near the Oshikango border post. Apart from injuries, Lucas Teteipo (39) also lost his money after the police officers allegedly confiscated his wallet a few moments after he illegally crossed the border into Namibia on Independence Day.
Teteipo has since opened a case against his tormentors despite being initially threatened not to open a case.
A senior officer at the Angolan consulate, who spoke under anonymity, told New Era the consulate had a meeting with the Ohangwena police regional commander to discuss this matter.
“The regional commander affirmed that they are busy with internal investigations, and they will give us feedback this week,” she noted.
She emphasised the Angolan consulate will advocate for the rights of all Angolan nationals who come to Namibia.
Zachariah Amakali, head of the crime investigations unit in Ohangwena, confirmed that the police have started an internal investigation into the matter.
Recalling how he sustained the injuries to his head, Teteipo told New Era he was caught by the Namibian Police while crossing into Namibia through an illegal crossing point.
He said among his belongings was his wallet with N$2 030 cash. He also had some illicit Angolan whiskey and cigarettes.
“Five police officers, including a female officer, approached and questioned me about where I was going. They instructed me to get into their vehicle and then drove into the bush,” he narrated.
While in the bush, a police officer allegedly grabbed Teteipo’s wallet and bag.
They then allegedly started assaulting him with their hands and later shot him with rubber bullets. Police officers took him to Engela Hospital, from where he was subsequently transferred to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
It is alleged that while on the way to Engela, they warned him to never report the matter, as he will be arrested for entering Namibia without a permit and for being in possession of illegal items.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na