Police have identified the officer who was gunned down at Walvis Bay on Wednesday as 34-year-old Simasiku Matongo.

A report released this evening indicated that Matongo was murdered in cold blood by a suspected criminal, Jacques Pienaar.

Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona said Pienaar, an adult from Usakos, robbed someone at a gambling house in the harbour town, and police officers found him nearby after responding to the robbery.

The regional commander stated that Pienaar pointed a firearm at his own head, threatening to kill himself when the officers found him.

It is alleged that Sergeant Matongo tried to talk him out of his suicidal intent, but Pienaar instead turned the gun on the officer and shot him dead.

Pienaar allegedly fled the scene, robbed a taxi driver of his car in Narraville, and drove to Swakopmund.

Police said the taxi was found abandoned in Mondesa on Thursday at around 01h00.

The police report also revealed that officers intercepted Pienaar at the truck port as he attempted to board public transport.

He allegedly drew his pistol when the officers tried to arrest him, prompting a struggle over the firearm during which some shots were fired.

Pienaar was shot and wounded in the process and taken to the state hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

No officers have been charged or arrested as the investigation continues.