Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo has threatened to demote regional commanders who are failing to perform.
He said this during a festive season crime prevention and road safety operations engagement with regional police commanders and traffic coordinators at the police headquarters in Windhoek yesterday.
The campaign is aimed at preserving road safety on national roads, preventing crime, saving lives, and protecting property.
During the address, Shikongo said some regional commanders are incompetent, inactive and not visible.
“I will announce some of the few adjustments made in the organisation, some promotions, demotions, transfers and many more. Many of you have not heard of demotions but it doesn’t make sense to recommend promotions but never demotions, ” Shikongo stated.
“When I was in the //Kharas region, their manpower strength was supposed to be 2 011, but a year ago it was only about 500.
“That is the same struggle as in the Kavango West region. The regional commander there is struggling to manage the region with fewer than 500 members,” he said.
Shikongo said it is painful to witness traffic officers at roadblocks constantly being on their cellphones.
“These are typical problems that the regional commanders need to address and take accountability for, although I know there are some police stations that do not have vehicles, like at Omitara’s settlements, and many other police stations, but that is something we are looking into.
“We have so many deputy commissioners and chief inspectors that are always sending recommendations for people to be promoted, but when you look at the efficiency on the ground, it is not desirable at all,” he said.
Shikongo asked if the regional commanders are able to do what is expected of them – regardless of various challenges.
He promised to promote efficient regional commanders, and encouraged them to reinforce permanent road traffic checkpoints along national roads.
“Our country is facing a continuous growing pandemic of gender-based violence, road crashes and other crimes of concern, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries to our citizens and visitors.
“This is not pleasing at all … We also know the adverse effect and threat posed by crime,” he said.
Police deputy inspector general of operations Elifas Mutota said Namibia was rated as the 58th safest country out of 195 countries in 2023, while it was in 89th position in 2022.
He called on senior police officers to engage with the community to prevent and combat crime during the festive season.
“The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it is also a period when we face an increased need for vigilance to ensure the safety and security of our fellow citizens.
“With the influx of shoppers, travellers, and revellers, it is crucial that we come together as a community and work hand in hand to prevent crime and promote road safety,” Mutota said.
He emphasised the importance of community partnerships during the ongoing crime prevention and road safety campaign.
“I have no doubt that with your passion, expertise, and commitment, this planning meeting will lay the foundation for an outstanding festive season crime prevention operation and road safety campaign.
“Let’s work together to make this season not only festive, but also safe and secure for all,” Mutota said.
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