An off-duty police officer was allegedly shot by a taxi driver at Omaruru in the Erongo Region on Sunday, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has revealed.

NamPol’s Commander for Community Affairs in the region, Ileni Shapumba, in an incident report on Monday said the 48-year-old suspect is alleged to have shot constable Fredrich Abraham, 35, over an unpaid taxi fare.

“It is alleged that the suspect, who is a taxi driver, shot the victim behind the right ear, causing serious injuries. Reportedly, an argument occurred between the taxi driver and the victim over taxi fare that the victim did not pay. The driver then decided to offload the victim with his luggage from the car before they arrived at the victim’s destination,” Shapumba said.

Allegedly, during the confrontation, the suspect observed the victim placing his hand in his jacket and it was at this point that the suspect allegedly took out his pistol and shot at the victim, added Shapumba.

A case of attempted murder was opened against the suspect and he was expected to appear in the Omaruru Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The incident reportedly occurred around 18h45 near the Omaruru municipal building.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: Namibai Press Agency