Two separate police shootings resulting in the deaths of Namibian men have sparked public concern over the use of force by law enforcement officers.
In the most recent incident, 38-year-old Shilongo Malakia was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer on Sunday night, 11 May 2025, at the Onhuno road checkpoint in the Ohangwena Region. According to a police report, the incident occurred around 22h00 during a routine inspection of a southbound Scania truck. Malakia, who was the co-driver of the truck, allegedly became aggressive when questioned about missing weighbridge documents. The situation escalated when he reportedly attempted to drive the truck toward a female officer, prompting another officer to open fire. Malakia was shot in the abdomen and died on the scene.
This incident comes just days after the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Stefanus Dundee on Wednesday night, 7 May 2025, in Windhoek. Dundee was killed during an intelligence-led police operation in the Freedom Land area. Details surrounding the circumstances of the operation remain limited.
The two fatal shootings, occurring within four days of each other, have raised questions about police conduct and the proportionality of force used during operations.
