Stefanus Nashama
Security guards deployed to protect municipal land from being illegally occupied in Windhoek’s informal settlement areas have put their safety at risk.
These officers are tasked with preventing illegal land grabs and ensuring lawful land use.
They often face risks because many of them live within the same communities they are employed to oversee.
Last October, security officer Natangwe Abed was attacked while trying to stop a man from illegally extending his shack without municipal approval.
“I was on duty when I heard the sounds of zinc and hummers. I went to the place and peacefully asked if the shack owner (the man) was permitted by the municipality to extend his shack, which he did not have, nor did he inform the community leader. I said he should stop and wait to obtain a permit from the municipality since his shack was also blocking the way for his neighbour,” said Abed.
This led to an altercation that left Abed with a knife wound to the head and a bitten lower lip.
The City of Windhoek’s (CoW) spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya acknowledged the risks but defended the deployment strategy.
“This proactive initiative is aimed at preventing land grabs,” she said.
Amutenya pointed out the advantages of having security personnel who are part of the community.
“They are more familiar with the environment and can respond quickly,” she said.
CoW deployed private security officers from Omeya Investment CC to oversee municipal land use in informal settlement areas.
The deployment has been in place for many years.
Despite the risks, Amutenya believes the presence of private security in the informal settlements is within legal boundaries.
“The security companies are registered and comply with national standards,” she said.
She further added that the Windhoek Municipality fosters respectful and constructive relationships between security personnel and residents.
Amutenya also addressed the rumour that security officers might only report illegal land extensions in exchange for bribes.
“The municipality had not received any formal complaints regarding these allegations. Individuals with evidence should report such claims to the city police or the municipality,” she said.
