Patience Makwele
The Namibian Police Force (Nampol) has dismissed claims by social justice activist Michael Amushelelo that trial-awaiting inmates at Otjomuise Police Station in Windhoek have gone for weeks without food.
Amushelelo on Monday alleged on social media that family members were being forced to bring food daily to relatives in police custody because inmates were allegedly not receiving meals.
Nampol spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi described the allegations as false and misleading.
“Trial-awaiting inmates across all our holding cells continue to receive meals as prescribed, three times per day,” Shikwambi said.
She said there can sometimes be challenges involving meal quantities or delays from suppliers, but alternative arrangements are made to ensure inmates receive food.
Shikwambi also clarified that families are allowed to bring food to detainees during designated visiting days, including Wednesdays and Sundays at Otjomuise Police Station.
“Nothing should prevent families from supporting their trial-awaiting relatives in this regard,” she said.
She added that all food brought to holding cells is inspected to prevent prohibited items from being smuggled into detention facilities.
Shikwambi urged members of the public to raise concerns through official channels instead of spreading what she described as unconfirmed allegations on social media.
“Mr Amushelelo, and any other individuals, are encouraged to desist from attempts to tarnish the image of the Namibian Police Force through unfounded allegations,” she said.
