The police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after an officer from the Rehoboth police station died instantly after the driver of the patrol vehicle he was travelling in lost control and overturned.

According to police spokesperson Elifas Kuwinga, the incident occurred on Friday between 09h00 and 10h00 on the gravel road between Klein Aub and Rehoboth, about 30km from Rehoboth.

“It is alleged that a 31-year-old police officer of a 2.7 Toyota Hilux pick-up police vehicle with eight passengers lost control of the vehicle while driving. As a result, the vehicle overturned and came to land on its wheels. The canopy fell off, and the passengers were thrown out,” explained Kuwinga. 

All the injured persons were taken to hospital for medical treatment, but one police officer succumbed to his injuries at St Mary’s Hospital in Rehoboth. 

The deceased police officer has been identified as 45-year-old Sean Mbango. His next of kin have been informed.

“There were four police members and five civilians travelling in the vehicle.   Five injured people have been transferred to Windhoek for further medical attention, two have escaped with no injuries, while two police officers are admitted at the St Mary’s Hospital,” he stated.

Kuwinga added that all victims admitted are in a stable condition, and police investigations continue.