Police, Windhoek trader accuse each other of assault, cases opened

A Windhoek trader and trailer owner, Tangeni ‘Tangi’ Shikesho, has opened a case of assault against the Windhoek City Police following an operation to remove illegal traders from Windhoek Central Hospital’s entrance on Thursday.

Shikesho on Friday said she has been operating legally in the area since 2019 and claimed that police officers beat her during the operation.

“They broke my wristwatch and my cellphone after one officer stepped on it. The officers who were holding me were all men, and they dragged me down to the pavement,” she said.

Regional crime investigations coordinator deputy commissioner Chrispin Mubebo has confirmed that a case has been opened against police officers.

However, Windhoek City Police spokesperson superintendent Marcelline Murapo says a case has also been opened against Shikesho for allegedly assaulting an officer on duty.

“I cannot confirm the claims of the police beating her, but I can confirm that she punched one of the female officers on duty,” Murapo says.

She says Shikesho operates her trailer on a sidewalk, which is illegal, and that she cannot present a valid fitness certificate from the City of Windhoek.

“The trader was seen with a firearm and could not provide a weapon licence at the time. The gun was confiscated and will be returned once she provides the licence. She told the police her licence was at home,” Murapo says.

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