. . . as COVID-19 cases spike
Andreas Kathindi
The resumption of the alcohol sale in stage 3 and 4 of the state of emergency has been a burden on law enforcement according to head of police, Sebastian Ndeitunga.
This comes as South Africa re-banned the selling of alcohol in that country following a spike in COVID-19 cases that has seen it become one of the countries with the highest COVID-19 cases in the world.
“It’s a burden to the police. People are just supposed to introspect themselves and ensure self-discipline, and abide to the rules passed to protect their own safety, security and health,” Ndeitunga told Windhoek Observer.
“When it comes to COVID-19, it’s even worse, because sometimes, when people consume excessive alcohol, they even forget to abide by the health measures. They forget about sanitation, social distancing, and putting on a mask.”
The Inspector General stated that he has suggested to government that the Liquor Act be amended to regulate to sale and consumption of alcohol because he feels it’s a major contributing factor to violent crime.
“We have always been voicing our concern about alcohol, but that might not be enough because there are other implications. We wish that alcohol could be regulated,” he said.
“You’ll find young generation consuming alcohol without limits; alcohol is accessible every hour. Bars with special licenses cause problems with police in the quest to control the crime rate in Namibia.”
Ndeitunga further noted, “It shouldn’t be that they have to fear the police in order to abide to the rules. We can only win the fight against COVID-19 if everyone practices self-discipline.”
Namibia has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases recently, particularly in Walvis Bay, and with the resumption of the sale of alcohol being fingered as a key contributor. Currently the country has 1032 cases and two COVID-19 related deaths.
This comes as Khomas Regional Commander of the Namibian Police; Joseph Shikongo previously told Windhoek Observer that police patrol duties were much easier when there was a ban on alcohol.
“Personally, I think the police, in general, were more at ease with the alcohol ban. [Our work] was easier because, during that period of three months, there were almost no alcohol-related crimes reported. But I think with the return of alcohol, it really has become a challenge.”
Namibia’s imposed six months State of Emergency is expected to end in September.
