Allexer Namundjembo
A Usakos resident, Melvin Areseb, is suing the Namibian Police, including the inspector general Joseph Shikongo and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, along with three police officers, for more than N$2.9 million following his alleged unlawful arrest and assault in August this year.
Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that Areseb is claiming N$2 million for disability, loss of amenities of life and insult to dignity.
He is also seeking N$500 000 for shock and trauma, N$300 000 for future medical expenses, and N$10 000 for destruction of property.
Through his lawyer, Areseb asserted that he received no legal grounds or reasons for his arrest.
“The arrest and detention were unnecessary, unjust, and influenced by the third to fifth defendants’ desire for self-gratification.”
Areseb is also demanding N$50 000 for his unlawful and wrongful arrest and detention.
In September, Areseb’s lawyers, Sisa Namandje & Co sent a letter of demand to Shikongo outlining the alleged events.
According to the letter, Areseb was taken from his Usakos home around 03h00 by warrant officer Jonas Flai, Constable Raphael Kaundu and Constable Willem Jantze.
The officers allegedly forced him out of his bedroom, handcuffed him and assaulted him before taking him to a police vehicle. The assault reportedly continued on the way to the Usakos Police Station.
Areseb was released the following morning and dropped along the B1 road in Usakos, where he was told to find his own way home.
When he returned home, he experienced severe pain and was admitted to Usakos State Hospital.
He was later transferred to Katutura State Hospital for emergency surgery and readmitted due to complications from his injuries.
His lawyers claim the assault caused serious internal damage, including to one of his testicles and other organs.
The letter threatened to take legal action against all defendants if they did not make compensation within 30 days.
The three officers were arrested and released on N$5 000 bail each by the Usakos Magistrate’s Court.
They face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
