Family massacre: Suspect wanted money
The 18-year-old boy suspected of killing five family members in cold blood at Rundu's Ndama location on Sunday is alleged to have committed the senseless killings out of frustration, after he was denied money by his sister.
According to the police crime report, it is alleged the suspect, who is said to be mentally challenged and at the same time a drug addict, killed his grandmother, mother and three nephews with a stick.
Their lifeless bodies were discovered in the early hours of Sunday by a relative. The suspect fled the scene, only to be arrested later in the afternoon.
“The motive behind the suspect's actions is allegedly that he demanded to be given money earlier during the day. However, the money was not given to him and as a result he assaulted the sister. The sister went to report the matter to the police and that agitated the suspect, who then assaulted his family, killing them instantly with a stick,” the crime report reads. The deceased's name cannot be revealed to the public yet, as he is due to appear in the Rundu Magistrate's Court today. The names of the deceased have not yet been released. The police said there were allegations on social media that the sister had reported the incident twice to the police. However, they could not assist due to a lack of transport. “These allegations are deemed very serious and the inspector-general of the police has directed the internal investigation directorate to investigate any form of negligence from the police at the Rundu police station,” a police spokesperson said.
Police blamed
Meanwhile, members of the public, including the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Women's League, have partly placed the blame for the family massacre on the police.
PDM Women's League secretary-general Loide Iipinge said they condemn what had transpired.
“It is unfortunate that despite the matter having been reported before the act, the law-enforcement agents did not exercise their right to protect and serve the people, which could have acted as a deterrent in this particular case,” Iipinge said.
“The PDM also feels that more measures could also have been implemented, such as whistleblowers, if people feel there is a looming case of violence, and counselling for affected women, children and men, for them to make informed decisions about their daily conduct.”
Kavango East police crime coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, did not deny or confirm the allegations levelled against the police officers, saying an internal police investigation has started.
Kanyetu called on members of the public to assist the police in combatting crime, especially in informal settlements.
He said most criminal activities take place in informal settlements, where it is dark and the police cannot exercise their duties effectively, in some circumstances.
KENYA KAMBOWE
According to the police crime report, it is alleged the suspect, who is said to be mentally challenged and at the same time a drug addict, killed his grandmother, mother and three nephews with a stick.
Their lifeless bodies were discovered in the early hours of Sunday by a relative. The suspect fled the scene, only to be arrested later in the afternoon.
“The motive behind the suspect's actions is allegedly that he demanded to be given money earlier during the day. However, the money was not given to him and as a result he assaulted the sister. The sister went to report the matter to the police and that agitated the suspect, who then assaulted his family, killing them instantly with a stick,” the crime report reads. The deceased's name cannot be revealed to the public yet, as he is due to appear in the Rundu Magistrate's Court today. The names of the deceased have not yet been released. The police said there were allegations on social media that the sister had reported the incident twice to the police. However, they could not assist due to a lack of transport. “These allegations are deemed very serious and the inspector-general of the police has directed the internal investigation directorate to investigate any form of negligence from the police at the Rundu police station,” a police spokesperson said.
Police blamed
Meanwhile, members of the public, including the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Women's League, have partly placed the blame for the family massacre on the police.
PDM Women's League secretary-general Loide Iipinge said they condemn what had transpired.
“It is unfortunate that despite the matter having been reported before the act, the law-enforcement agents did not exercise their right to protect and serve the people, which could have acted as a deterrent in this particular case,” Iipinge said.
“The PDM also feels that more measures could also have been implemented, such as whistleblowers, if people feel there is a looming case of violence, and counselling for affected women, children and men, for them to make informed decisions about their daily conduct.”
Kavango East police crime coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, did not deny or confirm the allegations levelled against the police officers, saying an internal police investigation has started.
Kanyetu called on members of the public to assist the police in combatting crime, especially in informal settlements.
He said most criminal activities take place in informal settlements, where it is dark and the police cannot exercise their duties effectively, in some circumstances.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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