The Police Inspector General has promised to intensify police visibility and community collaborations to combat farm crimes in the Grootfontein district, Otjozondjupa.
Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo made these remarks during a meeting with Farmers Association representatives and members, who are continuously falling victim to farm attacks, stock theft, and infrastructure damages.
The meeting followed numerous complaints by farmers in the area who say the police are not doing enough to protect them and their properties from crime.
Lieutenant General Shikongo encouraged farmers not to despair and to continue opening cases against criminals and repeat offenders.
“If there are people who believe that—what’s the use for me to open a case? It’s because if these investigations are opened, it’s very good for us, because when we arrest somebody, we will be able to look at the number, and if we go to court, we will be able to convince the court not to grant them bail. The Namibian Police Force is growing, and the Namibian Police Force wants to make an impact that we would want our people to have in terms of combatting crimes and in terms of community engagement.”
Shikongo also called on the police units to intensify daily patrols and inspections, especially at scrapyards, where stolen items are bought and resold.
He promised that these meetings should take place as frequently as possible to support community and police collaboration efforts.