Namibian Cop Shot In The Head Over Taxi Fare

EMERGENCY surgery was performed on a police officer in Windhoek on Tuesday after he was allegedly shot in the head by a taxi driver.

The incident allegedly took place at Omaruru on Sunday, after the taxi driver accused the officer of not paying his taxi fare.

Gerson Stephanus (48) appeared in the Omaruru Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of attempted murder.

He will remain in custody until next month.

During this time Stephanus may apply for legal representation, and investigations will continue.

A police incident report issued by Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba indicated that an argument erupted between Stephanus and constable Friedrich Abraham (35) on Sunday evening at Ondjoze near Omaruru’s municipal building.

Abraham is a member of the Omaruru police’s crime investigations unit.

“The driver decided to offload the victim with his luggage, instead of taking the victim to his destination. During the confrontation [Stephanus] observed [Abraham] placing his hand in his jacket, and it was at this point that he [Stephanus] allegedly took out his pistol and shot [Abraham] in his head, behind the right ear, causing serious injuries,” the police report read.

Abraham was off duty at the time of the incident.

Stephanus was arrested, and Abraham was transferred to Windhoek for emergency surgery.