Niël Terblanché
As Namibia prepares for its presidential and national assembly elections, the top command structure of the police has been urged to ensure that law and order are maintained during this crucial process.
Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, made this call to action during the Senior Command Conference’s closing ceremony last week in Ongwediva.
Shikongo stressed the importance of neutrality and professionalism, warning officers against engaging in political activities.
“Our duty is to maintain law and order and to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a safe and secure environment. It is imperative that all officers remain neutral and impartial in their undertakings,” Shikongo urged.
The conference, themed “Embracing Innovation to Navigate Policing Challenges,” provided a platform for senior police officers to critically analyse strategic issues within the force and adopt strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across all regions.
Several resolutions were discussed and adopted during the conference.
Shikongo pointed to the successful implementation of 14 out of 16 resolutions passed in the previous conference, achieving an 87.5% implementation rate.
He expressed confidence in the prompt implementation of the new resolutions passed this year, which aim to address various operational challenges and improve the overall functionality of the police force.
Shikongo also addressed the rising concerns about violent, contact, and economic crimes in the country.
He encouraged senior officers to devise effective crime management strategies to combat these issues rigorously.
“Let us stand together, as custodians of law and order, to put the year 2024 on record as a year that we deal decisively with crime and perpetrators thereof, to neutralise their activities,” he said.
He urged commanders to do everything within their power, using available resources, to meet implementation deadlines and report progress.
“The successful execution of these strategies is essential for maintaining public safety and security during the election period,” he said.
In addition to operational directives, General Shikongo also reiterated the importance of community engagement and building public trust.
“Equally important is our commitment to remain apolitical in all our endeavours. The Namibian Police has always been, and must remain, a bastion of impartiality and fairness,” he said.
The conference also featured NamPol’s ongoing charitable initiatives.
Established in 2015, the Namibian Police Charity Fund collects voluntary contributions from management cadre officers to assist orphans and vulnerable community members.
This year’s donations, amounting to N$30,000 in household items, will be handed over to households in Oshuulo and Omatando Villages and the Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo Special Care Centre in Okandjengedi.
Shikongo reiterated that the Namibian Police’s readiness and commitment to maintaining law and order will be critical in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens.
