Man attacks police officer with panga

A police officer in the Oshana Region was reportedly attacked with a panga at Omaalala village by a man who is suspected to be a mental patient.

The incident happened on Friday morning in the Ongwediva constituency.

The Oshana community affairs officer, Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, said the suspect, a 37-year-old man, was arrested and placed under police guard at the Oshakati State Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

Aiyambo said the suspect attacked his housemates and was destroying items in the house, as well as threatening and hitting his housemates with a panga.

When a police officer tried to intervene, he aimed at the officer’s head with a panga.

“He [the officer] blocked the panga with his left arm and he sustained an injury. The suspect then slit his own throat and was taken to hospital,” he said.

Aiyambo said the suspect has been charged with attempted murder.

He warned the public not to interfere with officers executing their duties but to comply with their instructions.

“If they do that, a case of obstructing a police officer while performing his duty will be opened against that person.

“Anyone who touches or tries to fight police officers is putting his life in danger, therefore must always comply with the instructions and if one has a complaint, it will be heard in court of law,” Aiyambo said.

Police investigations into the incident continue.

– [email protected]