The police have dismissed allegations circulating on social media that it attempted to cover up a police shooting incident at Okondjatu Settlement, Okakarara, in the Otjozondjupa region earlier this month.

The claims were made by activist Michael Amushelelo, who said the incident had not been reported publicly.

In a statement, the Police Head of the Public Relations Division, Kauna Shikwambi, says the incident occurred on the 4th of May after officers responded to reports of a man allegedly attacking members of the public. 

In an attempt to arrest the suspect, Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi explained that the man became aggressive and charged at one of the officers with a machete.

One of the officers suffered injuries on his left arm as a result.

The suspect fled into a nearby tyre repair workshop, where he continued to behave violently by throwing objects at police officers.

Shikwambi stated that the suspect subsequently exited the workshop, still armed with the machete, and again advanced aggressively toward the officers. 

Officers reportedly fired a warning shot before shooting the suspect in the leg and abdomen.

The suspect is in the hospital and in a stable condition.

Shikwambi says an attempted murder case has been registered against the police, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. 

She says the above incident should not be interpreted as the police being "trigger-happy" or using firearms indiscriminately. 

The use of force by law enforcement officers is regulated by law and is only justified under circumstances such as self-defence, the protection of another person facing an immediate or lethal threat, or as provided in the Criminal Procedure Act. 

Furthermore, the police have also taken note of two other separate shooting incidents reported on Monday, in Otjiwarongo and Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay. 

Deputy Commissioner Shikwambi says there are comprehensive investigations currently underway in all reported cases to establish the full circumstances surrounding each incident, and where wrongdoing is identified, appropriate action will be taken without fear or favour.