SWAKOPMUND – Spitzkoppe tour guide Melvin Areseb who was allegedly assaulted by three police officers from Usakos while responding to a domestic dispute is suing the government, Namibian Police and the officers for N$2.8 million.
Areseb was assaulted on 22 August after the three officers were called by Areseb’s mother during an altercation among the family in which he was involved.
However, the police allegedly arrived hours later, pulled him from his residence and apparently assaulted him, after that he was taken to the Usakos police holding cells.
After the attack, Areseb spent three weeks in the Katatura State Hospital where he underwent three operations.
According to the documents, Areseb is suing for N$2.8 million in total damages. He is claiming N$2 million for pain, suffering, discomfort, injuries, permanent disability, and loss of amenities of life, N$500 000 for shock and trauma, N$300 000 for estimated future hospital and medical treatment as well as N$10 000 for property damage, including his front door.
“The total damages reflect the physical, emotional, and financial impact this incident has had on my life,” Areseb stated in his court papers.
He claims that officer Jonas Flai, Raphael Kaundu, and Willem Jantze “forcibly entered his home, slapped him to the ground, kicked and handcuffed him without showing any authority or warrant.”
Areseb also says that he was detained overnight at the Usakos Police Station without being charged or presented before a court and was released the next morning along a gravel road without medical assistance.
“The assault continued even while I was being transported to the police station. They released me along the Spitzkoppe gravel road and told me to hitchhike home. I received no medical assistance,” he said.
Medical reports included in the lawsuit indicate that Areseb sustained serious injuries, including abrasions on both knees, blunt abdominal trauma, small bowel perforations, and a urethral injury that has left him permanently disabled and dependent on a catheter.
“I can no longer use ablution facilities normally, I cannot have children, and I cannot perform my duties as a tour guide the way I used to,” he said.
“Because of these injuries, I risk losing my job at Spitzkoppe Cultural Village and Campsite,” he added.
Meanwhile, the three police officers were arrested weeks after the alleged assault and are currently out on N$5000 bail each following their first appearance in the Usakos Magistrate’s Court.