Police record 116 cases against own members

NAMIBIAN Police inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga says 116 cases were registered against police officers during 2019 and this year, with officers discharged as a result of 56 of those complaints.

Ndeitunga further says 41 police officers are on suspension and the remaining cases are before court.

He made these remarks on Thursday while addressing the media about cases of alleged police brutality. He also denied claims that he tolerates abuse and assault of members of the public by police officers.

“The notion or view that the inspector general just watches and does nothing to these officers is nonsensical and, therefore, is hereby refuted in the strongest terms,” Ndeitunga said. “All cases registered against police officers are investigated.”

He added that it was only through a proper investigation of cases registered against police officers that the truth could be established and decisive action taken against officers involved.

Ndeitunga said once an investigation in any case had been completed, a docket is sent to the prosecutor general for a decision on whether to prosecute or not. Only once the prosecutor general has made a decision to prosecute, would the particular matter be taken through the court process.

“The Namibian Police has no control over what transpires at courts. In the event the prosecutor general declines to prosecute, there is still an internal disciplinary procedure,” he added.

Ndeitunga also noted that police officers sometimes deal with highly intoxicated, unruly and uncooperative people who without provocation insult and assault officers on duty.

He was referring to an incident last week in which police officers were threatened by two brothers at Swakopmund while one attacked an officer with an axe.

“It must be understood that law enforcers are there to enforce the law and therefore cannot give in to threats and insults of drunken members of the public,” he said.

Ndeitunga said lawlessness, undermining of authority, obstructing officers in the execution of their duties, unruliness and any other unbecoming behaviour from members of the public would be met with appropriate force as permitted by the law.