Stefanus Nashama
Hidipo Hamata, a Member of Parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has voiced serious concerns about the alarming surge in criminal activities in Namibia, emphasizing the significant threat it poses to the safety and well-being of citizens.
Hamata made these remarks while contributing to a motion tabled in Parliament this week, which addressed the issue of rising criminality in the country.
The Parliamentarian highlighted the escalating crime rates, which not only jeopardize the social fabric of communities but also instil fear in the hearts of many Namibians.
He called upon his fellow Parliamentarians to urgently address the matter and implement necessary measures before the situation deteriorates further.
“As responsible representatives of the people, we must address this issue comprehensively and decisively,” he urged his colleagues in Parliament.
Hamata attributed the root causes of criminality in Namibia to pre-colonial laws and regulations.
“One of the major contributors to the high crime rates in Namibia is the leniency of our existing laws and regulations,” he said.
He also pointed out that the easy accessibility of firearms has played a critical role in exacerbating the problem, and he called for a reconsideration of the current regulations regarding firearm ownership.
Hamata expressed concern that the current firearm regulations allow weapons to fall into the wrong hands, leading to tragic consequences.
He proposed a holistic approach, including revisiting and strengthening firearms regulations.
“By doing so, we can address some of the fundamental root causes of crime. It is imperative that we implement comprehensive background checks, establish mandatory waiting periods, and introduce a need-based approach to firearm ownership,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Hamata raised concerns about the involvement of some law enforcement officers in criminal activities. He attributed this to the financial and survival challenges faced by these officers.
“We must acknowledge that many law enforcers are compelled to collaborate with criminals due to the harsh reality of low salaries,” he stressed.
In response, Hamata suggested the implementation of stringent measures to monitor and control the actions of police officers, even if it means equipping them with tracking devices to ensure accountability and adherence to the law.
He also highlighted concerns about bank officials being intertwined with criminal elements due to a lack of strict controls in the financial system.
Hamata’s concerns reflect the urgency of addressing the rising crime rates in Namibia and the need for comprehensive reforms to tackle the root causes of criminality while ensuring accountability and integrity within law enforcement and financial institutions.
