Ethiopian Police Confirm Arrest After Deadly Shiro Meda Incident

Mintesinot Niggusie

The Addis Ababa Police Commission has confirmed the arrest of a police officer following the fatal shooting of a young man in the Shiro Meda area of the capital, an incident that has triggered public anger and calls for accountability.

The commission said the victim, identified as Tegeng Balcha, was shot dead on Monday in woreda 1 of the Gulele district after being taken to a police station for questioning.

According to the commission, the shooting occurred at around 10:40am local time, with the victim struck by bullets at the entrance of the station. The officer involved, Assistant Sergeant Matiwos Temechew, has been taken into custody and is under investigation.

Police said preliminary findings indicate that the victim and the officer had a prior dispute, during which Tegeng allegedly assaulted the officer and was briefly detained before being released on bail. Authorities further stated that on the day of the incident, the victim was taken in for questioning in connection with another suspected offence.

The police commission described the act as unacceptable and inconsistent with the duties of law enforcement, adding that it does not represent the institution. The case has drawn strong reactions from residents of Shiro Meda, where Tegeng was known as a traditional clothing trader.

Family members said he had recently experienced financial and emotional distress following the demolition of his business premises. Public grief and anger were visible during the victim’s funeral, where mourners gathered in large numbers chanting for justice. The Addis Ababa Police Commission said the investigation is ongoing and findings will be made public.