TWENTY Namibian Police officers have been arrested in 16 cases over the past six months in the Khomas region on charges such as corruption, theft and illegal hunting.
Out of the 16 cases, six involved corruption, another six, drunken driving, and a single case each was registered for illegal hunting, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, theft, and robbery.
Khomas regional police commander Joseph Shikongo revealed this yesterday during a media conference at the Windhoek Central Police Station.
“Since May, we have arrested 20 Namibian Police officers in a total of 16 cases because you find that in one case, you have more than one person arrested,” he explained.
Shikongo set off the new phase of ‘Operation Kalahari Desert’, stressing that members of the Namibian Defence Force have successfully completed an induction training course, which was run over this past weekend.
He said the operation has drastically reduced crime in the Khomas region, and that this phase will be targeting traffic law-enforcement, noise pollution as well as road and safety issues.
Shikongo noted that the operation continues after the public’s outcry for safer streets.
He also addressed the public’s discomfort with the operation as a result of reported cases of shootings by members of the defence force during the operation, saying that is not the intention of the operation.
“We are not supporting any death, which is why we want this operation to conclude without any incident of shooting or loss of life,” he stressed.
He urged the public to refrain from “crucifying” the operation, and to rather cooperate with the police.
“It is a matter of concerted efforts […] If there is cooperation from members of the public with the security agencies or law- enforcement, I can assure you there will be no shooting incidents,” he said.
“Any force that is to be used by this operation should be proportionate to achieve their objectives,” he continued.
Speaking on road safety at the same event, City Police senior superintendent Adam Eiseb said the operation will concentrate on drunken driving and drunk pedestrians.
He said the operation will assist to get drunk pedestrians off the roads and to get them home safely.
“In most cases when a pedestrian is involved in an accident, you will find that they were under the influence and immediately they are not able to fend for themselves,” said Eiseb.
He said pedestrians who endanger themselves or other road users through their behaviour on the road will be guilty of an offence.
Eiseb further said drivers who are found with any trace of alcohol while driving will not be allowed to proceed travelling, and will have to have someone transport them.
He, however, said that they will not be arrested if they do not exceed the alcohol limit.
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