An Electoral Commission of Namibia polling official took his own life last night in Outapi after fleeing from the police, who had discovered that he was part of a team that stole petrol from a generator hired by the ECN.

The police discovered the crime after they were alerted that a fire had broken out at a house in one of the informal settlements in Outapi.

It is alleged that the suspects had spilt petrol while attempting to pour it into a container, which made contact with a gas stove, causing a fire.

33-year-old Samuel Shaanyenga, allegedly involved in the crime, fled that scene after police were alerted to the fire.

He reportedly took his own life shortly thereafter by hanging himself from a tree in a nearby area.

Shanyenga's next of kin have been notified.

The owner of the house where the fire broke out reported that he was unaware of the incident, as he had gone to the polling station to cast his vote. 

Police have, however, taken his wife into custody, naming her as another suspect in the petrol theft incident.