Three officers of the Namibian Police are facing criminal charges after being accused of assaulting 44-year-old Melvin ||Areseb during an incident in Spitzkoppe, near Usakos, about three weeks ago.
Detailing his account, ||Areseb said the matter began with a domestic disagreement involving his girlfriend. He explained that although law enforcement had been alerted, officers only arrived hours later, at a time when the situation had already settled and his family had gone to bed. He alleges that upon their arrival, the officers woke him, restrained him with handcuffs, and assaulted him, causing internal injuries that required hospitalisation.
||Areseb was initially treated at Windhoek State Hospital before being discharged. However, ongoing health complications forced him to be admitted again, this time to Usakos State Hospital, earlier this week.
Attorney Karel !Gaeb has volunteered to represent him free of charge. He confirmed plans to institute a N$3 million civil claim against the Namibian Police while also pursuing damages from the three officers in their personal capacities.
According to the regional police commander for Erongo, the officers have since been taken into custody and are expected to appear before the Usakos Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
