Niël Terblanché
ONE of the two men that attacked a police officer with an axe during an arrest at a house in Mondesa about a week ago is still on the run.
Absai Haulofu, aged between 30 and 36, is wanted on charges of attempted murder, malicious damage to state property, resisting arrest and obstructing Police Officers in the execution of their duties.
According to the Erongo Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, Absai and his brother, Imms, are held responsible for a vicious attack on a police officer with an axe.
Imms was arrested on the same day of the attack but Absai has since been able to evade arrest and the police has requested the public to assist in tracing him.
“The vicious attack on the police officer occurred last Wednesday when members stationed at the Mondesa Police Station went to arrest Absai’s brother on charges of theft,” he said.
He added that the suspect, who is wanted on several other charges, saw the police car arriving and ran into the house.
“At first, Imms resisted being taken into custody but after a while, agreed to get into the police van. Absai, however, intervened and told his brother not to get into the vehicle,” he said.
According to Deputy Commissioner Iikuyu, Absai disappeared for a while and then suddenly returned while armed with an axe.
“He attacked one of the officers and in the process struck him on the head with the blade. The suspect also smashed the police vehicle’s windows before fleeing from the scene of the attack,” he said.
The seriously injured police sergeant was rushed to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.
According to Deputy Commissioner Iikuyu, the fugitive is originally from the Ongombe-yaola Village near Omungwelume in the Ohangwena Region.
Absai also has family who reside in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Karibib, Omaruru, and in the North.
Any person that can assist the police in tracing Absai Haulofu is requested to contact Deputy Commissioner Iikuyu at 081 246 4757, Detective Warrant Officer Celcius Kabuku at 081 391 0671 or to dial 10111 or report such information at the nearest Police Station.
