Ondangwa – A 43-year-old man was taken into custody on Thursday in the Oshana Region after allegedly brandishing a metal object resembling an AK-47 assault rifle as the remains of Namibia’s late Founding President, Sam Nujoma, arrived at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport.
The incident unfolded along the C46 road, directly opposite the airport, as the funeral procession passed by. According to Oshana Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Frederick Ndjadila, the suspect, who was among a crowd of mourners, lifted the imitation firearm in the direction of the motorcade, drawing immediate attention from law enforcement officers.
"It is alleged that the suspect, who was in a crowd of sympathizers and mourners, raised a metal object that closely resembled an AK-47 assault rifle while facing the motorcade and funeral procession of the late Founding Father," Ndjadila confirmed.
Police officers stationed at the event acted swiftly, preventing what could have been a highly volatile situation. They immediately approached the suspect and seized the object before any further commotion ensued.
Upon closer inspection, authorities determined that the object was a welded and fabricated metal replica of an AK-47 rifle. Although it was not a functioning firearm, its presence in such a sensitive setting prompted serious concerns.
The suspect was arrested on the spot and is currently being held at the Ondangwa Police Station. He faces charges of unauthorized manufacture of arms and possession of arms without a license.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from carrying or displaying objects that could be mistaken for dangerous weapons, especially at high-profile state events. The case remains under investigation.