Comments

Off-duty officer shoots man dead

   we youth also must stay out of the road and avoid suituation like that. And my God have mercy on both of them. - Asser

   i think we should not jump to conclusions yet lets wait for the outcome of the proceedings in court. its easy to say the officer was wrong.but do we really know what happen.i remain silelnt until then - titus

   The High court murder system should be brought back because people are now taking advantage of our justice system,which is too linient with murderers,this criminals now know they can kill someone and in no time they be free again on the streets,which is not fair,where this country is heading to,I just wonder!!! - Lucrecia Mupahua

   Life sentence to all murderers, until when are this brutal murders gonna take place... Everyone has got the right to live and the deceased is always the guilty 1... That police men couldve known better. - Beverley

   I thnk police where trained not 2 shot in public jst lukr that and there are here 2 protect life and property but now they are turning in public members shooting them like dog, why cant just arrest the victim and detained him instead of shooting. - Kunsiki

   OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! - rejoice khoeses

   I think everyone should sit back before making judgement's and think why the police officer would take out a gun and shoot an innocent civilian in cold blood like that. Was the officer under the influence of alcohol, if yes by which extend? Sometimes this boys from the street can make someone look like a criminal while they are the once pursuing good police officers into such things. I am not saying he did well nor did he do good. All am saying is that a police officer is also a human being and can respond to any kind of threat like any other person. - theo popawa

   The way I knew martin aka fetches he was a sweet loving and joking soul he laughed and made jokes with ever1,him being drunk is no excuse 4 that so called officer 2 take his life he is using the fact that the deceased was under the influence 2 cover his tacky ass for what he did,so what if he handed himself in we all knw that was his consious speaking to him...dig deep and find answers justice must be served this time around police men abuse their rights 2 firearms 2 an extreme extent... #bring back the god damn death penalty Justice should get served the police is there to protect our lives not 2 but a threat to it no matter what the circustances are...ons is moeg we are living in fear at the hands of the law what a shame - sophie

   Leenan Sheya, nobody has the right to shoot at anybody's legs in this country - unless if you give him the permission and sign for it. Would you thank the officer if he shot you in the legs over a petty argument? Not even a warning shot was necessary here. It is a case of stressed/ cash-strapped individuals who- instead of taking their lives would take the lives of others as a ticket to start living a sumptuous lifestyle on vacation in Windhoek Central Prison. - Trayvon Martin

   I just want justice, iam tired of the namibian police bieng suspects,, he is of duty why is he still jumping around with his gun, I think they should hand them in before they knock off!! , I thought our police are trained,there was no warning,couldn't he shoot in the leg,,killing someones child that way! Omg!! This country.... - kennedy

   I just want justice, iam tired of the namibian police bieng suspects,, he is of duty why is he still jumping around with his gun, I think they should hand them in before they knock off!! - kennedy

   this very shocking, police officer grap our rights in most cases , and they mis use power , this is a shame to the ministry , it means they did not traine officers .why cnnt he shot at legs ? sorry, how would he feels if it was his brother or neigther his son? - leenen sheya

   Was mother of the victim was at the crime scene at that moment for her to say that her son was not drunk or was not havin a bottle towards the victim? Buy anyway lets the law take its hand in!! Also the suspect suppose not to shoot to kill nor to shoot at all!! Was the victim cover the whole road for - Iipinge Petrus

   How did the mother of the victim was at the crime scene at that moment for her to say that her son was not drunk or was not havin a bottle towards the victim? Buy anyway lets the law take its hand in!! Also the suspect suppose not to shoot to kill nor to shoot at all!! Was the victim cover the whole road for - Iipinge Petrus

   Too bad Martin was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It reminds me of poor Trayvon Martin. Again, seriously - when will our government bring back the death sentence, these killings have spiralled out of hand Mr Lawmaker. Namibian law is much tighter on cattle thieves than on cold blooded murderers... - Trayvon Martin

   I believe that the police officer has indeed acted in self defence. If he acted with intention to kill, he would not have handed himself to the authority. Yes, he killed an 'innocent' person, but the logic is ' the deceased" too has played a part in attracting death. Transparent findings MUST be followed by fair justice. - AS Iyambo

   Gone are the years when government used to recruit proper officers not this constables of nowadays. As an officer they need to protect us not to kill us. justice must be done so as to educate fellow officers. - Siboli Annie

   truly speaking police officers need classes before its to late, this is an indication that our officers don't know how to deal with defficult people like martin for that matter, please officer we know you are a human being as well but this time you really fuck this up. - shaya.

   Section 49 provide all relevant circumstances one will follow before using a firearm and the use of it will be the last resort after all failed. officer is deem to be on duty 24hours on the contrary a warning shot*3 have to be fired in attempt to avert the threat, if he intend to shot a person will do so to injuried such a person, but not to cause his life as this is prohibited by Chapter Three of The Namibian Constitution Article 6. Police main duties among others is to serve and protects life. Death will be their failure. Now the Question is, in a casket. - Don Makaveli

   Its really very sad when such barbaric acts happens. first of all, he as a police officer knows better than anyone, that before you shoot at someone, one have to make/perfom a warning shoot, but he didnt which, for me means that he did that intentionally, thats it. I think that the mother !@#$$%^ shoud rote in jail, guys. NO BAIL FOR KILLERS. - Mauro Rodrigues

   oh my God .let us all pray for our people to be responsible. Imagine if it was your child, oh police officer could have take warning shot , oh my boy , he is so young. - Tuli

   it is so shamefull! why he didnt evn shot to legs if they trained to shot? - matias nghifilenga

   There were may be conflict and difficulties in between these people that caused shooting and death. surely its very painful as parents lose their son and also to those people were with Martin being seeing his friend dying in their eyes, but should just leave this matter in the hand of the investigators, obviously, the cause of the death will come out. we should not start judging yet. Lenga - Lenga

   I thnk the police officerz including citi police they thnk they are above the law whle they r th once to maintain law n order. Such an act is unheard of n shld b condemned in all ways. No bail for the officer! - George

   Dear fellow Namibians, this is one of difficult time we as a nation won't accept. I personally do not what this kind to be happened again. My people attacking and swearing at each other is not solution. I was all of us to be patient for the investigations to be completed. Let us not attack each other like that. You and me were not there when it happened and we do not exactly what went wrong. we do not who is guilty , a police man of a deceased. Let us not conclude now. Let us leave it in the hand of investigators. But surely, the truth will come out soon. We might be surprised after investigations. Namibians we have to educate each other especially our young kids. Respect of each humanity should be in our minds. But would like to ask all of you to pray so that God can send us peace in this world. I thank you and Let Joel Martin rest in peace. - Werner Lineekela Nangolo

   some peoples are what always defend themselves no metter was a wrong. most robbary took things to incent even manage to take weapon from the owner by sayig fire the warning. Namibian let us be fair at each anther and don't wait the warning to act. - shiweda

   No ways this police become like SA Police now they shoot as they pleased, what happen to the warning shot, before firing one and how sure was he that this boy was trying to throw the bottle at him, this is pure irresponsible of a police officer which I think himself was under the influence of alcohol that's why he manage to go the next day to the police station. - anna

   ro me is not good to kill someone especially without a warning bullet. ..but us we namibian we don't want to respect our force members. ..if you go in country like SA a soldier/ police officers Is a respected somebody but in namibia you might even find a civilian provoking a soldier. ..what this guy did is not good but...let's start respecting our SAFETY MEMBERS. we know their your brothers and sisters. - max shihepo

   OSHILI NE, OSHIKONA SHINO SHOSHI POLISI NASHO NASHINYE WALA...KUTYA NEE ONHU OKWEKU SHINDA NDELE OWALI TWIIGAMENE? OSHIKE INO YAHA NANDE OKOMAGULU NEE AKWETU OSHILI? OWUNA OKUNYA ASHIKE MONUFU MO!!OWETUKUTHA OFELENDE YETU MAN FOK JOU. - AK47

   this is not a first incident that happened, and they always work away with it, can we name this ministry of safety and security or what? - dras

   Dont worry my brother we gat your back. we will support you through thick and thin. let justice take its core. no matter the witness will hide the truth,, The God above is for everyone and the truth shall be known in daylight. No matter you are in jail, we still love you boy. God bless you - Challo

   We need prayers, our population is already small, we have different diseases such AIDS, CANCER,DIABETIS and others that are killing us, now we are killing each other (nog). Our country will be a desert if we cant change. Lets us stop killing each other please fellow namibian. - Kaunapawa

   The code of conduct for the police is to respect all human life,i wonder how can a trained police officer can shoot a person in the chest instead of shooting him on the legs to stop him not to came and hurt him.The police trained how to use fire arm even in the ground of justification,article 49 of the Namibia criminal procedure articulate itself that the police have the right to defender her or himself,how than?worn the suspect as much as you can.Do,n,t kill,shoot the suspect on the legs to stop him not to come hurt you.Any person who abstracting the police duty is guilty,the police can call for assistance and arrest the suspect.killing is not a good practice at all,even your life is in danger try to shoot on the legs but not direct where you can kill a person.is too early to release the name of the suspect, even though he is a police he do have the right like civilian.off duty is the word,but in reality the police office is 24 hours on duty even in civilian clothes.please my Namibian people let stop killing each anther,police must respect civilian and civilian must respect police(there is occasional incident where by police killed civilian and civilian killed a police,let find a solution to that matter) - See more at: http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=2373&page_type=story_detail#sthash.HHI01Xuw.dpuf - Leonie Lazarus

   The polie officers who are so trigger-happy does not belong in the force. My 17 years as Police officer was clean without any assault or pointing of a firearm. These new officers had only been exposed to shooting during training, but then it is over! The Police Training Commandant should increase the qualification of Police for carrying a firearm and introduce fitness and self-defence classes to the Police. - Raymond

   I wonder which direction this country is heading to. Cases of police officers now then, instead of serving and protect civillians they are acting towards them. NAMPOL should consider its training and recruitment. MY HOME IS NO MORE MY CASTLES. Elise P - Elise

   people should love each other and avoid violent please - Ferira Narib

   people should love each other and avoid violent please - Ferira Narib

   May his soul rest in Peace , justice will be served one day , the police officer must know that he did kill a human, and once you have blood on your hands of a human your days are numbered , I hope the officer must die also in a most gruel way fuck him - Johannes Shilongo

   Please! Police people are not dog, even a dog you can't shoot without a permit, please stop! - Hertha Dawid

   The code of conduct for the police is to respect all human life,i wonder how can a trained police officer can shoot a person in the chest instead of shooting him on the legs to stop him not to came and hurt him.The police trained how to use fire arm even in the ground of justification,article 49 of the Namibia criminal procedure articulate itself that the police have the right to defender her or himself,how than?worn the suspect as much as you can.Do,n,t kill,shoot the suspect on the legs to stop him not to come hurt you.Any person who abstracting the police duty is guilty,the police can call for assistance and arrest the suspect.killing is not a good practice at all,even your life is in danger try to shoot on the legs but not direct where you can kill a person.is too early to release the name of the suspect, even though he is a police he do have the right like civilian.off duty is the word,but in reality the police office is 24 hours on duty even in civilian clothes.please my Namibian people let stop killing each anther,police must respect civilian and civilian must respect police(there is occasional incident where by police killed civilian and civilian killed a police,let find a solution to that matter) - ARNOLD EKANDJO

   The code of conduct for the police is to respect all human life,i wonder how can a trained police officer can shoot a person in the chest instead of shooting him on the legs to stop him not to came and hurt him.The police trained how to use fire arm even in the ground of justification,article 49 of the Namibia criminal procedure articulate itself that the police have the right to defender her or himself,how than?worn the suspect as much as you can.Do,n,t kill,shoot the suspect on the legs to stop him not to come hurt you.Any person who abstracting the police duty is guilty,the police can call for assistance and arrest the suspect.killing is not a good practice at all,even your life is in danger try to shoot on the legs but not direct where you can kill a person.is too early to release the name of the suspect, even though he is a police he do have the right like civilian.off duty is the word,but in reality the police office is 24 hours on duty even in civilian clothes.please my Namibian people let stop killing each anther,police must respect civilian and civilian must respect police(there is occasional incident where by police killed civilian and civilian killed a police,let find a solution to that matter) - ARNOLD EKANDJO

   police officers must learn how to work with civilians,, how on earth you shoot a person for self defence as if you were urguing or something and why he didn't drive away if he reliase that the person is drunk as you claim he was and why he stop to tell people to get off the road if he knew he is not feeling well too??? i think the training for 6 month that they went to need to increase to 1 year and half.pissed off. - martin

   no words to say, this violances of police officers againist the nation is more highly. i am requesting ( ohake) to come back!!!!!!!!!!! - victoria ndeshiihaluka paulus

   Things of this nature are spiritual based, the devil can make this officer to do that. He deserves punishment, but mostly repentance. one commandment-DO NOT KILL, murderer shall not see God. Mind that. - NDF

   Its a complicated event for now we can not know who is right and who is wrong! Please lets control our actions and emotions cos we will regret after we comitt barbalic work. - Lance

   This sounds like a nightmare. i always ask myself that iff crime is starting from people that are above, do we also expect Namibia to be a less/no criminal country at all?. it seems like nowerdays police officers are just criminals. they are authoritarians and i really hate that. they should stop thinking that they are gods. all they value is their ranks, expecting everyone to respect them forgetting that they are also human beings. Disrespect is not valuefull then someones life. Abussive of power is what we don't like in a democratic country. Where will Namibian nation end up if people that suppose to potect us are the one who are turning agains us? they are not maintainning order anymore but instead they are causing chaos. - Emilia Ndafenongo

   i bealived a normal person can not just pull off the gun and shot out of blue,there might be something that happen in the process before the shooting take place.lets investigator do their work.man and women in the uniformed are trained,but not necessaraly that because his a member of police he cannot anything to defent himself were its needed. - karen

   A LIFE FOR A LIFE IS ALL I CAN SAY....DOM KOP. TODAYS OFFICERS THINK THEY ARE THE GODS OF THIS LOVELY NATION? ONE DAY IS ONE DAY.. - Elishi

   Seems like the police officer dnt knw what is self defence - jelle

   i believe this case should be thoroughly studied and fair justice be granted. with such Police Officers roaming the streets Namibia won't achieve vision 2030. - Anonomous

   The COPS for today think they are GOD and own this Namibia, they think just coz they are cops they can do as they want & that is wrong, if it is like that WHY DO WE NEED COPS IN THS COUNTRY LETS ALL BE COPS AND DO WAT WE WANT - Mike

   My thoughts firstly goes out to the bereaved family of the late youthfull Martin and secondly to the relatives of the officer who perpetrated this act. Swords cut both ways. It affects both the victum and the perpetrators innocent relatives. This however should not make us doubt the Justice and Law enforcement fraternity. The custodian of Law Enforcement should seriously consider to put more emphasize on Conflict Management. Not everyone is good at that, but can be with some training and mentoring. Don't shoot - Talk can walk a long way. I know that there are sutuations where you have to act in the spur of the moment. Whether this was one - is a case the officer will have to answer. The bottom line - Capital Punishment is OUT. - Manfred R Anderson

   it seems the PO was the one who was drunk.....since he was off duty! bt the shooting directly to the chest? Y not the legs atleast - Kandara

   Tragic - Frans

   At least before you shoot a person you must give a warning shooting. this is very shocking. - Isai

   Why they did not release the name of the suspect yet? we want justice - Geser

   Its like the time of boers when you can not work on the street then you could be killed , Today is still with our own people. How old was the officer if Martin was only 22 yrs , why did he not call the police to assist because he was not on duty . Please lets stop killing people just like dogs . - Elizabeth

   was this officer in a human status or what cause him to act in such a maner? i blame the namibian justice for all this, it is failing to set a transparent example to those who think they are the mothers of the law. now you kill people to protect what? - makalius

   This is really sad to hear, firstly I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Secondly, lets not be one sided, I know for sure that most of our youth in Namibia, the behavior is a concerned to the public. rude behavior can sometimes cost your life, let us refrain from such behaviors ! this should be a lesson to others. - NICO

   I belive the police code of conduct is clear `` to respect human life. If i was a judge i can look the threat and self defence. As a well trained officer he must know what, when and how to deal with such an incident. Can any one tell me the meaning of self defence? I think killing is not only the solution. Let us all respect human life. - Jeffrey

   you may not know the pain of loosing until you loose your loved one in that manner. we also might be ignorance of the increasing violent and disrespect especially with drunken people on the street until you meet them one. God bless and protect this nation, this is not how life should be taken.. - Yvone

   Is this self defence or something else triggered this action. More investigations need to be done. Police, don't be one sided. - Petu K.H

   This is really sad to hear that a police officer who for that matter has to protect human lifes now is the one who is taking away a life of young man who was full of life to enjoy and who was having may more years ahead,my condolonces to the Martin family and i hope no bail will be granted to such a culprit may justice take its course. - Ronald Muundjua

   We no longer have police officers in our country to protect us, all they do is to kill innocent people, what a shame to our safety & security officers. - Fiina

   It is very sad to hear of what had happened on Saturday. My heartfelt condolences goes out to the bereaved family and friends of the deceased. I once drove from Walvis Bay to drop off a friend at Shandumbala. Someone was drop off by a taxi, and when he got off while talking on his phone, he immediately walked into the line that i was driving in. I immediately stopped, and advice the gentleman to be more careful when he cross the road while talking on the phone. Without any care in the world, this specific person just swear and showed the middle finger at me with a lot of anger. I continue driving and dropped off the person and drove back home. - driesie

   No one has a right to take some one is life, even if he has defending himself. - Haloliwa Nalitye

   the constitution of Namibia which is a supreme law of this countries declares innocence until proven guilty.. this case is not an exemption - penda

   It is with great disappointment that our own up keeper of the law have become the people we must be fearing.Why can't they go through anger management and at the same time if that specific person is identified be denied the access to firearms. - Hilde

   This was very unfortunate situation in the country if not in the city of Windhoek. I do not agree with those who think that a law inforcement can be injuired or even killed because of being a Police officer. Who is killing who, when and where and why? People on foot in this country is always a problem to car drivers. Problems are in our own houses because respect are nor more in these country of ours. If it was the Police man who was killed, what could have to issue here? But killing is out of question. No one should kill someone else.... - Chief joShivute

   That is too bad, more especially in an independent Namibia. People should avoid carrying weapons while under the influence of alcohol. - Nehemia .D

   Lets not just be against the title police officer but he is also a human with one heart and justice must just do its work - Leo

   This shld be a lesson to all the kids in Shandumbala, i was also confronted by some boys who refused to stay away from the road while driving with my girlfriend, they thrown all insults at me but luckily my girlfriend advised that we should just ignore them. to the parents in Shandumbala pls make time and educate your children on good behaviour. gone are the apartheid days when shandumbala was the so called a superior location with unruly children who hacked others with knifes and machetes for no reason and they walked away with it because the police were only present in town. i agree that the police officer used self defence to defend himself from a possible danger. - Joel Masule

   i think drucken person must walk away from the road,road are for vehicle - kalapuvo ndakumwa

   recently an 11 years old was tortured by police officer and in less than a week, a police officer again with a touth life. Where is our protection if our protectors turned to be the killers? GRN pls. Hitler - Adolph

   I read it and still cannot believe it, a well trained Police Officer aiming, shooting and killing an innocent young 22 years old simply because of a bottle in his hand? I thought he is a trained Police Officer whom knows what a consequence of a gun. Gun don't kill people. People kill people, therefore if the government of today is not training wrong people at the right positions than the nation is sick. Capital punishment might be a solution now on the serious note even though the constitution continue to protect criminals more than innocent people. Rest in Peace my boy - Kephas Haitembu

   I hope justice will be served here! - DON

   what was an off duty officer doing, driving around with his gun? - kojaa

   The police office was supposed to give a warning sign before he shout at him. He have taken law in his own hands and he must face justice. - anny-za-bel Djolonimu Ihuhwa

   It is sad to have read this policeman were the ones who were supposed to protect human lives but they break the code of conduct,how do you shoot on someone with no signal,the police must respect citizens lives please. - Ndeshy Matheus

   The police suppose to protect and to serve but its not the case today why shoot without warning shoots . Justice must be put in place to make sure we have police not criminals in a police departments . Its sad and breath taking ...my condolences to the family - MUNANGO HYRONIMUS

   Namibia must repent! A nation without God is a lost ship

   Eish, my former classmate, rest in peace bro. - Wilhelm

   We are all facing judgement day. Why would the sober person walk in the middle of the road and he dare not to move away for oncoming vehicle. Why did the police officer argue with the drunkards if he needed to protect them. Why would a trained officer aiming and shoot in the chest instead of aiming towards the legs? Life is so precious and we must respect that even if one claim to be drunk or sober this whole situation could have been avoided.....Police Vs Nation! - GRN

   As long as men are allowed to carry guns, we (especially woman and children ) are not safe. Discaurage people to have guns, because it does not give you a minute to think before you act. - Tangeni

   Why you did,nt give a warning to that guy,human they not animals.respect human ,life,not fair. - Toma frans

   The police office are there to protect the nation. The government must give a clear solution for such accident. To kill someone like killing wild animal is not fair. The must keep peace and suitability in community instead of shooting Innocent people. - katumwa

   May justice take its cause - Jnr

   May justice take its cause - Jnr

   This is cold blood murder. Why did the officer not fire a warning shot? - judith

   have taken law in his own hands ,so fair justice must be done there. - Niccilo

   This is unacceptable .justice must prevail - j Mbangu

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(August 12)

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