Cop shot, injured in gunfire exchange

OTJIWARONGO – A 40-year-old male police officer was on Monday allegedly shot and injured in a gunfire exchange with six suspected armed robbers at Okahandja.

Police spokesperson in the Otjozondjupa region Inspector Maureen Mbeha yesterday said the incident happened after six suspected armed robbers allegedly robbed the Engen fuel station at Okahandja at about 02h56 on Monday.

The police officer was rushed to a private hospital in the capital, where he is recovering, Mbeha said.

According to Mbeha, it is alleged the six men had entered the shop of Engen, armed with pistols, knives and iron bars, and then ordered everyone who was inside to lay down on the floor.

The suspects reportedly removed a vending machine from the shop, which contained an undisclosed amount of money and recharge vouchers, Mbeha said.

“They loaded the machine into a sedan and fled, but the police and security officers of a private company who were alerted responded swiftly,” said Mbeha.

At about 08h35, a team of police officers, joined by some security guards, came face-to-face with the six suspected armed robbers at a taxi rank near the new shopping mall at the town.

Mbeha said the robbers opened fire on the officers, who also responded with their heavy guns.

“In the process, one of our police officers was shot in the back once, and one of them was also shot four times – twice in the left shoulder and twice in the upper right leg,” said Mbeha.

The injured suspect’s five accomplices – two aged 22, two aged 32 and a 27-year-old – then surrendered themselves and were arrested.

The police also managed to recover the vending machine, which was found broken open and without the cash. They also impounded a pistol of one of the suspects and their gateway vehicle.

The injured suspect was taken to the Katutura Intermediate Hospital, where he is being treated for gunshot wounds under police guard.

The six suspects are also now being linked to the four cases of armed robberies that occurred at the town in October and November this year. Police investigations continue.

- Nampa