Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has dismissed at least 17 reservists who were unable to carry out their duties in the Omaheke Region.
Shikongo made these remarks during the swearing-in, transfer, appointment, and change of command ceremony which was held in Windhoek yesterday.
He said the reservists were dismissed because they we inactive as they are required by law to work at least 16 hours a month to be regarded as active members.
“The 17 reservists, who were no longer active, were discharged last week. You have to work 16 hours a month to remain active. Either by patrolling, going to the police station, and assisting officers on duty with what needs to be done,” he said.
The General added that currently, the Khomas Region has more than 400 reservists who have dedicated their free time to unpaid police work.
“We have 432 reservists in the Khomas Region. Windhoek police station has 196, Klein Windhoek 28, and Wanaheda has 58 police reservists. They devote their time to doing the work of police officers without receiving compensation. They volunteered to join the Namibian Police Force to make a difference in public safety and security in our country. They sacrifice their time and they are not here for money,” he said.
The Namibian Police Reservist is led by National Coordinator, Deputy Commission Robert Gellman.
General Shikongo warned the officers not to become salary collectors.
The Inspector General appointed Commissioner David UkongoIndongo as the Head of the Special Field Force Directorate, and Commissioner Willem Daniel Steenkamp as the Regional Commander of the Khomas Region.
He also announced the transfers of Commissioner Andreas Kanyanga Haingura from the Police Regional Headquarters in Gobabis to the Police Regional Headquarters in Runduwhere he will serve as the Kavango East Regional Commander.
In the same vein, Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze was appointed as the Regional Commander of the Omaheke Region and Commissioner Johanna Ndahafa Ngondo was transferred from the Kavango East Region and appointed as the Regional Police Commander of the Otjozondjupa Region.
In addition, Deputy Commissioner Johanna Fredrika Situde was promoted to the rank of Commissioner and appointed as the Head of the Gender and Welfare Directorate.
Shikongo also announced the promotion of three Chief Inspectors to the rank of Deputy Commissioner while four Inspectors were promoted to Chief Inspector.
General Shikongo said that the transfers, appointments, and promotions will be in effect from the 1st of July.
