Hertta-Maria AmutenjaÂ
Police investigations will determine whether any wrongdoing occurred during a robbery incident in Windhoek’s Dorado Residential area, where a police officer intervened by shooting one of the suspects on Monday.
Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo confirmed that the case is being investigated as a robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The incident reportedly took place on Dr Kuaima Riruako Street, where two suspects armed with pangas attempted to rob a woman who was purchasing fruits and vegetables from street vendors.
The suspects tried to steal her phone and other valuables.
A community member, who was later identified as a police officer, witnessed the robbery in progress.
The officer, who is also a resident of the area, intervened, shooting one of the suspects in the leg and successfully chasing down the second suspect.
The two suspects were found in possession of pangas.
Mubebo said the role of police officers is to maintain law and order.
“Police officers, as law enforcement agents, are duty-bound to preserve the security of this country, maintain law and order, investigate crimes and alleged offences, and protect property and lives,” he said.
He went on to explain that the police officer involved in the incident acted within the framework of the law.
“The steps of the use of force, as stipulated under Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act, are very clear. Police officers are not trigger-happy, but should we be put in a corner, we have teeth to bite,” he added.
“We have rezoned the city of Windhoek to make sure that our strategies are effective,” Mubebo said.
The public was urged to support law enforcement efforts.
“Together, we will make this region and the country the safest on the continent, and we are on the right track,” Mubebo added.
City Police did not respond to queries sent by the time of publication.
