Maria David
A MENTALLY challenged man, 20, is currently undergoing medical observation after he allegedly caused damage to properties in Ongwediva.
Oshana Regional Commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said the incident occurred around 10:40 at Oikango No. 2 Village, near Niitembu Primary School in the Ongwediva Constituency.
Sakaria said the suspect, a former learner at Niitembu Primary School, is accused of causing extensive damage at the school and a nearby residence on Tuesday.
According to Sakaria, the incident started when the learners were heading to the kitchen for their lunch break. The suspect came running toward their direction, holding an okapi knife.
“Panicked, the learners fled back to their classrooms and alerted their teachers and the principal. The principal immediately contacted the Ongwediva Police Station for assistance,” he said.
He added that while the principal was on the call, the suspect allegedly entered the kitchen and poured out the soft porridge intended for the learners from all three cooking pots.
Further, he said that the suspect then proceeded to a water tap, removed the metal tap post, and moved toward the area where teachers’ vehicles were parked on the southern side of the school.
“Using the okapi knife, he reportedly slashed the tyres of three vehicles. He further used the metal tap post to smash the windows and windscreens and damage accessories such as indicators and side mirrors of these vehicles,” he added.
Sakaria said that the suspect then proceeded to a nearby residence where he allegedly smashed a total of eleven windows across eight rooms.
Sakaria said the suspect reportedly damaged an Isuzu DMX, Isuzu BK200, Toyota VVTI, Toyota 4×4 Hilux, two aluminium windows, nine normal windows, and one exit gate, with total values expected to be added together at a later stage.
He added that no damage was sustained to school buildings and no injuries were inflicted on any learners or teachers during the incident.
However, he said that no formal arrest has been made at this time due to the suspect’s condition.
