A 39-year-old mentally ill man was shot by police officer in Otjiwarongo
By Aneli Fura
A confrontation between police and a mentally ill man in Otjiwarongo ended in tragedy on Monday morning after the suspect was fatally shot while allegedly threatening residents with a panga.
According to police in the Otjozondjupa Region, the incident happened at around 08h30 near a hiking spot along the Outjo road after officers responded to complaints from community members.
Regional police spokesperson Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha said the 39-year-old man was reportedly terrorising people in the area while armed with a panga. During the confrontation, he allegedly advanced toward one of the officers in an attempt to attack him.
The officer then opened fire with an R5 rifle, hitting the suspect in the head.
The man collapsed at the scene and was rushed to Otjiwarongo State Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
