An attempted robbery suspect who was shot and wounded by police officers last week in Windhoek’s Cimbabasia area has appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court, while another is yet to appear. The suspect, Lukas Wapota, appeared in absentia, according to police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi. Wapota was discharged from hospital early this week.
The shooting incident occurred on 5 January 2021 in the bushy area of Cimbebasia connecting to Michelle McLean Street. A third suspect was fatally shot. Wapota’s case was postponed to 8 March, while he was remanded in custody. According to Shikwambi, another suspect who was also injured during the shooting incident is recovering in a local hospital under police guard. He is expected to make his first appearance as soon as he is discharged.
According to police reports, the three were shot by police officers patrolling the Cimbebasia area. Three police officers were patrolling on a gravel road in the bushy area of Cimbebasia, where robbery cases were reported two weeks before the shooting.
Shikwambi said, during the patrol, five men wielding pangas and a knife allegedly emerged from the bush and charged at the officers, prompting them to shoot at the suspects.