Interview: Teen in Otjiwarongo Speaks Out After Alleged Police Beating Following Soccer Game

A 15-year-old student, Luciano Xoagub, has shared with our news team a harrowing account of alleged police abuse following a school soccer game on February 13, 2026. The exclusive interview with OneAfrica TV reveals serious allegations of physical assault, intimidation, and administrative obstacles after the disappearance of a mobile phone during the game.

Luciano, a student at Okarundu Junior Secondary School, explained that the incident began after school when he and friends went to play soccer. Each boy had brought a mobile phone, which they placed in their bags while preparing to play. “There were four phones there… that’s when the phone was stolen,” he recalled.

The missing phone led to police involvement on the following Monday. Luciano says officers demanded that all students who had played soccer line up outside the school. “We were holding hands… then they started counting… there were 25 of us at first,” he said, noting that additional students were then brought in, totaling 30. Some students were also collected from Paresis Secondary School during this process.

The boys were taken by police vehicles to several locations outside the town, including a petrol station, Otavi, and near Queen Sophia. What followed, Luciano alleges, was a series of violent acts. Officers reportedly used sticks to strike the students, forced them into push-up positions, and kicked and stepped on their knees while demanding the missing phone.

“They insulted us… said I am ugly like my sister, and even my mother is ugly,” Luciano said. “They beat us on our ribs, head, and back… two whips on each guy’s back… one friend broke his ribs, another injured his head, and my knee was hurt.” The boys remained silent when questioned by the school principal out of fear of further abuse.

Luciano’s mother, Lydia Xoagub, assisted in opening a case at the local police station, but the family reportedly faced administrative challenges. Officers initially gave them an incorrect case reference number and refused to properly record the complaint. “They said this is a house break-in, not somebody that was beaten,” Luciano explained. The correct case number for the incident is CR 109, which Luciano secured along with photos he took as evidence. Officers had initially demanded he delete the images, but he kept them in safe folders.

The family’s struggle highlights not only alleged police brutality but also concerns about procedural integrity at the reporting station. Human rights experts emphasize that cases involving minors require special care, including proper documentation, medical attention, and protection from intimidation. The experience underscores the vulnerability of children and the critical need for accountability in law enforcement.

Despite the threats, injuries, and procedural setbacks, the family remains determined to pursue justice. The incident has prompted discussions among parents and school officials about student safety outside school hours and the appropriate role of law enforcement in school-related disputes. Experts stress that children should be protected from abuse and that law enforcement must follow strict protocols when minors are involved.

Luciano’s story also illustrates the importance of media in amplifying the voices of young victims. By speaking out, he has drawn attention to the challenges children face in seeking justice and accountability, particularly when institutions fail to protect them.

As OneAfrica TV continues to follow this case, the interview serves as a reminder that safeguarding children, ensuring accountability, and upholding justice must remain priorities for authorities and communities alike. The courage shown by Luciano and his peers highlights the urgent need for dialogue and reform regarding police practices involving minors.

In conclusion, the experience of Luciano Xoagub is a stark example of the risks children may face and the responsibility of institutions to ensure their safety. By bringing these issues to light, communities and authorities can work together to prevent future abuse and support victims in obtaining justice.