Police officers at Oshikuku are under the spotlight for allegedly assaulting an inmate and smuggling illicit goods into police holding cells.

Following the assault, the inmate was allegedly denied medical care and was only taken to hospital four days after the assault.

This information came to light after a 27-year-old trial-awaiting inmate was allegedly assaulted and denied timeous medical care, despite bleeding from the ears.

A sister of the victim, who narrated the ordeal to New Era, said the inmate was assaulted on 16 September, but was only taken to hospital on 20 September.

He was taken to Oshikuku, but was later transferred to Oshakati.

He was allegedly assaulted for failing to divulge where he obtained the cellphone that was in his possession.

Omusati police commander Titus Shikongo confirmed that the inmate was not taken to hospital on time.

“I have confirmed that he was taken to the hospital on the dates you have mentioned,” he said.

He is scheduled for a follow-up on Friday (today).

Shikongo stated that an investigation has been launched into the allegations, and the relevant office has been instructed to see the inmate and take the matter further.

He added that assault of any kind is prohibited by law, and police officers are not allowed in any way to assault anyone or use excessive force to obtain information.

“Anyone, including police officers, can be investigated if it comes to light,” commissioner Shikongo stressed.

On the smuggling of illicit goods into cells, the regional commander said cellphones pose a serious risk as they can be used to commit further crimes.

He said the practice is unethical for a police officer to be used to smuggle in prohibited goods  as it tarnishes the good name of the police.

“Such police officers become unreliable, rotten apples, whom we do not need in the force,” he continued.

The inmate’s family accused the police of smuggling cellphones into the cells in exchange for money.

The sister asked of police officers to protect inmates as they still care for them, despite them being behind bars.

This inmate was arraigned early last year after he allegedly took out a knife and threatened to kill his mother following a drinking spree.

– nashipala@nepc.com.na