The Kunene Region community has been called upon to remain united in their mission to ensure security in their diverse communities and to continue bridging the socio-psychological gap between the police and the public.
Namibian Police Force Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, made the call on Monday at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Opuwo, which was held to reaffirm and enhance the longstanding relationship with the community.
Central to the discussions was the community’s support for Namibia’s rule of law activities as well as the completion of the ongoing construction of the regional police headquarters in Opuwo.
According to Shikongo, ‘strength is in unity.’
He consequently urged for a cohesive approach to tackling crime in the region, emphasising that community policing plays a crucial part in aiding the police in preventing and combating crime.
Shikongo pleaded with communities to take proactive measures to reduce prospective crime, recommending that people should work toge
ther to report criminal activities to the police and refrain from acquiring or purchasing suspected stolen possessions.
He further warned against societal discord, noting its potential to breed criminal elements due to a lack of community cohesion.
‘Not communicating with each other causes challenges; we invite criminals to get in between us… So as a community, let us unite and fight crime, let us report crimes, because someone will break into your house and your neighbour will not say anything because you do not communicate,’ Shikongo stated.
He furthermore said the Namibian Police will have a graduation ceremony for over 1 000 new cadet officers in Oshakati on 03 May 2024, which will further help to minimise crime and provide conscientious service to the public.
He also announced that 1 700 additional police officers will begin training on 01 July 2024.
According to Shikongo, 70 of the 1 700 recruits are from the reservist programme, 1 230 are students who met the requirements, and 130 are justice spec
ialist students from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), while 200 are from the National Youth Council. Seventy are from the men and women policing network.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency