ONGWEDIVA - Three police officers allegedly involved in the murder of a former police officer that took place last week at Ehafo lyaKandenge village in the Oshana region, have been arrested.

Absai Julius (57), Sem Iikela (38) and Moses Titus (37) were all denied bail and their case was postponed to 17 May 2023, to allow further investigations.

Deputy Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa of Oshana confirmed that the three police officers were arrested on murder charges yesterday and made their first court appearance in the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on the same day.

It is alleged that 59-year-old Negumbo Embashu was declared dead upon arrival at Onaanda clinic after he sustained serious gunshot injuries on his leg and stomach. 

Embashu, a former police officer at Oshakati police station, was allegedly a psychiatric patient and on that fateful day, his family called for police assistance to have him taken to the hospital as he experienced a psychotic episode. Police officers who responded allegedly ordered Embashu to put down a stick that he was holding in his hand. When he did not comply, one of the officers allegedly fired the two fatal shots. 

Earlier, Oshana police spokesperson Thomas Aiyambo said Embashu was shot while trying to attack officers with a stick.

However, Hendrina Embashu, the widow of the late Negumbo who witnessed the incident said her husband was never aggressive, and neither did he try to attack the officers. 

It is understood that the late Negumbo was discharged from the police force in 2016 because of mental illness. 

– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na