(MISA/IFEX) – Journalist Max Hamata of “The Namibian” newspaper was assaulted by the Namibian Policeâs Special Field Force (SFF) while trying to investigate an alleged drug bust at a Windhoek nightclub in the early hours of Thursday 13 December 2001. Hamata told MISA that he was informed of the drug bust when he received a […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Journalist Max Hamata of “The Namibian” newspaper was assaulted by the Namibian Policeâs Special Field Force (SFF) while trying to investigate an alleged drug bust at a Windhoek nightclub in the early hours of Thursday 13 December 2001.
Hamata told MISA that he was informed of the drug bust when he received a telephone call from a private citizen at about midnight (local time) on Wednesday 12 December. According to Hamata, upon his arrival at the nightclub, he immediately attempted to approach the police to find out what was happening. However, before he had had a chance to identify himself as a journalist, the officers grabbed him by the neck and demanded his camera.
Despite his attempts to explain that he had not taken any pictures, Hamata was punched on the mouth by a police officer who accused him of taking photographs. He sustained minor facial injuries.
Hamata said he was then shoved into a police vehicle and taken to the Windhoek Police Station, where he was detained for about three hours before being released. “This is not the first time [that he has been assaulted by police]. I have to set a standard here. These guys are a unit of bandits,” he told MISA.
Hamata told MISA that he has approached the policeâs Complaints and Disciplinary Commission, which advised him to lay a charge. Hamata stated that he was promised a parade during which he will be able to identify the officers who attacked him.