Rundu: A 42-year-old police officer is fighting for his life at Rundu State Hospital after reportedly being stabbed in the back of the neck by a 27-year-old male inmate on Thursday afternoon. The Namibian Police Force's (NamPol) Crime Investigation Coordinator for the Kavango East Region, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed the incident to Nampa on Friday, saying it occurred at around 16h00 at Rundu Police Station.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the officer, Sondaha Evalistus, was on duty near the main door of the cell corridor, receiving inmates returning from court. While verifying the inmates' names with other officers, the suspect allegedly approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back of the neck.

Following the attack, the inmate reportedly ran to hide behind a door leading to the cells. Police later recovered and seized the kitchen knife used in the assault.

Kanyetu said the suspect has not yet been charged, as investigations into the incident continue. He added that the officer sustained an open wound but remains in a stable condition.