ONGWEDIVA - An employee of the Nyime Security Anti-Poaching Unit in Grootfontein is facing murder charges after he shot and killed a man who was allegedly attempting to steal maize.

Oshikoto Police spokesperson Ellen Nehale said the incident occurred during the night at Hiebis Oost Farm, about eight kilometres from Tsumeb. 

It’s alleged that the deceased and two others were found stealing maize on the farm. 

The two security guards on farm patrol duty heard movements of people, and one of the security guards who was carrying a shotgun shouted and requested the
suspects to stop, but they apparently did not listen.

She said the three males started running, and the 43-year-old security guard fired three shots in their direction before they disappeared into the bushes. 

The guards afterwards found two 50kg bags of mealies in the field, and informed the farm owner.

The police were alerted about the incident by one of the suspects who was with the deceased during the shooting, and the deceased’s body was found lying in the bushes.  It was transported to the Lombard State Hospital for autopsy. 

The suspect was arrested and the licensed firearm, which belongs to the security company, confiscated. 

The deceased was identified as a 36-year-old resident from Sonop Farm Ludwighaven. -vkaapanda@nepc.com.na