‘Give Shikongo’ job to younger generals’

Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani says younger generals should be given an opportunity to head the Namibian Police.

This is after president Nangolo Mbumba reappointed inspector general Joseph Shikongo for three more years, days after he turned 60.

Shikongo’s appointment is effective 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027.

Venaani, speaking to Desert Radio on Monday, said those who have reached the retirement age should retire to allow young people to get jobs.

“Shikongo is an excellent officer of the law, a great friend of mine, but it’s time that we give the younger people the opportunities. I have a fundamental problem with us, the whole country and everybody in the government. Why are we extending people’s terms if young people don’t have jobs in this country? There are younger generals that can get the job,” he said.

Venaani, however, said extending Shikongo’s term by one year would have been reasonable given the upcoming elections.

“I would have agreed with Mbumba extending his term by one year. Seeing it’s an election year, it’s critical. Maybe a new boss will not be able to control the situation, but this thing of extending retirees in perpetuity is not good,” Venaani said.

Activist Michael Amushelelo also questions the motives behind Shikongo’s term being extended for another three years, citing the Public Service Act.

“For Mbumba to go and reappoint Shikongo for another three years is a clear violation of the Public Service Act, because Shikongo is not a politician or anything of the sort. He’s just an ordinary police officer who happens to be the inspector general,” Amushelelo says.

According to the act, if someone’s reappointment is in the public interest beyond the age of 60, they may with their consent be retained on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and subject to the approval of Cabinet until the last day of the month, in which they reach the age of 67.

Amushelelo implies that Shikongo’s reappointment is a tactic by the current government to rig the elections.

“Obviously, it’s a clear indication that these people are trying to rig the elections by ensuring that they have people who they can control at the helms of the police and defence, so that they can do whatever it is when the election outcome is not in their favour,” Amushelelo says.

HONOURED TO SERVE

Also speaking to Desert Radio on Monday, Shikongo said while he is ready to go into retirement, being reappointed is an honour.

“Sometimes you consider going to rest, but when you look at the public demand, you have no choice but to commit yourself. So, it is a very great honour to be entrusted for three more years to lead the Namibian Police,” he said.

Shikongo urged Namibians to refrain from insulting law enforcement and rather work hand-in-hand with them.

“I look forward to people supporting us on all different political levels, political parties, civil society, human rights and for everybody to support the Namibian Police to be able to achieve more milestones in the public safety of our people,” Shikongo said.