Windhoek: Director of Education in the Kavango East Region, Christine Shilima, on Monday announced an investigation into the alleged assault of Sarusungu Combined School learners by six police officers after the reported theft of a teacher's cellphone, which was later recovered in a toilet.According to Namibia Press Agency, the incident unfolded last Thursday when a student teacher's cellphone was allegedly stolen, prompting the school to call the police. Six police officers responded to the incident and rounded up several learners, taking them to the school's sports field for questioning about the missing phone. During the questioning, several learners were allegedly assaulted by the officers.Shilima made the announcement following a large gathering of parents and learners at the school on Monday morning, protesting the alleged assault. The National African Students' Association (NASA) also participated in the demonstration, showing solidarity with the affected learners and their families.In response t o the seriousness of the allegations, Shilima has temporarily removed the school's principal from duty to ensure an unhindered investigation, which is expected to be completed by Friday. "Classes will continue as normal from Tuesday under the supervision of a head of department," Shilima stated, while apologizing to the parents of the injured learners. She emphasized that the investigation would uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.Shilima also noted that parents have the right to pursue criminal cases against the police or take action against the school if they choose to do so, as the incident occurred on school premises. "I won't fault the parents at all if they went ahead and did that," she remarked.NASA acting president Rose Kameya mentioned that the student body is in the process of establishing the facts surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, parents are demanding accountability and compensation for the affected learners.Anton Kawaya, spokesperson for the affected parents and learners, indicated that parents plan to seek legal assistance and meet with the police to formally open a case and lodge complaints over the alleged assault. He mentioned that the circumstances leading to the police's actions are still unclear, with officers suggesting that further information will only be provided during a meeting at their offices.Kawaya reported that approximately 30 learners sustained physical injuries, while over 100 others complained of pain, including chest pain. Namibian Police Force (NamPol) crime investigations coordinator for the Kavango East Region, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, stated on Monday that the police are awaiting the outcome of the Ministry of Education's investigation before commencing their own inquiry into the incident. Kanyetu encouraged parents who believe police officers acted unlawfully to open criminal cases, assuring that any allegations of misconduct by the officers would be thoroughly investigated.