Maria David
THE Namibia Police Force (NamPol) Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo has pledged to ensure the maintenance of peace, security, and the protection of lives and property in the country.
Shikongo made this commitment during a community engagement held in Oshakati on Wednesday, emphasizing that they have a duty, now more than ever, to safeguard peace for all.
According to Shikongo, the preservation of peace is crucial. They must take steps to safeguard both domestic residents and foreign visitors while maintaining a crime-free environment.
“The goal is to make Oshana a zero-crime area with no daily crimes reported,” he said.
He added that if the community is not actively fighting crime, it becomes difficult for the police to do so. Hence, NamPol and the community should join hands and work together to combat crime in unity.
Oshana Regional Commander Naftal Lungameni Sakaria indicated that they have realized the need for collaboration to achieve their vision of combating crime.
According to Sakaria, they made a significant impact on crime in the region through their “boots on the ground” initiative.
However, Sakaria said challenges such as mobility issues, a lengthy procurement process, and a shortage of manpower due to many police officers ageing. They also face challenges related to a lack of police facilities, leading to congestion in available police stations and overcrowded cells.
Meanwhile, Oshana governor Elia Irimari emphasized the crucial role of the police force in society, entrusted with maintaining law and order, protecting communities, and upholding justice.
However, Irimari pointed out that for the police to effectively carry out their duties, they must have the trust and support of the public.
“This engagement serves as a platform for open dialogue, where the Inspector General will listen to the concerns, suggestions, and experiences of the general public. It is an opportunity for the police force to understand the challenges faced by our citizens and to bridge any existing gaps in communication,” he said.
Irimari stressed that they firmly believe that this event will foster a stronger relationship between the police and the community, enabling them to collectively address issues such as crime prevention, community policing, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
He emphasized that together, they can create a safer and more harmonious society.
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