Probe into alleged police assault of Rundu learners

Police have launched an investigation into allegations that officers assaulted several learners at Sarusungu Combined School in Rundu last week during a search for a teacher's cellphone that was later recovered from a toilet.

The incident, which allegedly left several learners injured and some hospitalised, sparked protests on Monday by parents and student leaders demanding accountability, compensation for affected learners and the removal of the school principal.

Grade 10 learner Muyova Immanuel told Namibian Sun on Monday that the alleged incident took place on Thursday during the last school period, when police arrived following a report of a cellphone theft.

"We just saw six police officers coming into our classroom. They rounded us up and made us roll on the floor and do frog jumps," he alleged.

Immanuel claimed he twisted his knee during the alleged ordeal.

"I twisted my knee during the exercise and was injured," he said.

He said the incident had left him traumatised.

"I am traumatised because they were really forceful with us," he said.

Parent representative Anton Kawaya said parents were dissatisfied with how the matter had been handled following a meeting with the school management on Friday.

"Our demand is that we want to see the regional director and the regional police leadership so that they can come and listen to the community," he said.

Angry parents

Kawaya said parents had lost confidence in the school's management and were demanding the removal of the principal before classes resume.

"We don't want the principal at this school,” he said, alleging that this is not the first incident where police have allegedly been called and learners were assaulted.

“If the principal is removed, then classes will resume," he added.

He further alleged that some learners sustained serious injuries during the incident, which he attributed to police action.

X-rays and photographs were presented as evidence during the protest.

Kawaya acknowledged that it remained unclear who was responsible for the missing cellphone that triggered the incident.

"At the moment, we don't know who the culprit or suspect is. Whether it was one of our learners or someone else, we are still waiting for the outcome," he said.

He added that parents were not attempting to shield anyone responsible for the alleged theft and said they wanted the investigation to establish who had taken the cellphone while also determining whether excessive force had been used.

Namibian Police Force Kavango East crime investigations coordinator Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu confirmed the allegations are under investigation.

"We are aware of the report. There are no cases registered at this stage. Our Police Conduct Directorate has been directed to look into the matter and establish exactly what happened," Kanyetu said.