A severely wounded man, Nathanael SHIKONGO, was detained at the Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital on 17 March while awaiting treatment for a bullet wound in his right leg. Shikongo was abducted from the X-Ray department by members of COIN, part of a large military force who arrived at the hospital in three Buffels and 13 Casspirs. The hospital authorities said they searched the hospital, 'inspecting patients' and intimidating and abusing the staff.
Shikongo was brought in for treatment an hour before his abduction. A hospital statement described the man as 'severely wounded' and said his capture interrupted his resuscitation.
The hospital's management committee maintained that 'persons injured in military conflicts have a full right to proper medical care, and there are recognised international declarations and conventions to safeguard their interests.'
