Staff Reporter
A 64-YEAR-OLD woman was robbed by a 43-year-old man on the B2 road between Narraville and Kuisebmund, after she stopped her vehicle to help some children who said that their dog was overrun by a passing vehicle.
According to the Erongo Police, the incident happened on Wednesday at about 15:30 near the Walvis Bay sign.
The suspect reportedly approached the woman while she was trying to help the children, pretending that he also wanted to assist. He then grabbed the woman’s phone and ran towards the Kuisebmund suburb.
The on-duty municipality traffic officer, who witnessed the incident, chased the suspect and with the assistance of community members tried to apprehend him.
The suspect resisted the arrest and tried to stab the officer.
In an attempt to defend himself, the officer shot and wounded the suspect in his left knee.
The suspect then grabbed the officer’s service pistol and pointed it toward the officer. He then tried to shoot, but could not because the pistol was jammed.
The suspect was then successfully apprehended by the traffic officer and community members.
The Erongo police said the suspect has been admitted to the Walvis Bay State Hospital, where he is in stable condition.
“In as much as we discourage the use of unnecessary or unreasonable force against the suspect during the arrest, we warn them to stay away from committing crimes,” the police said.
The police further explained that this incident in addition to other recent incidents where suspects suffer harm should serve as a reminder to the criminals that no one approves of their conduct.
“We thank the victim for the gesture of care towards the kids. We applaud the community members for their support to our traffic officer in apprehending the suspect. Their persistent actions are indeed commendable,” the police said.
File photo for illustrative purposes only.
