‘It’s a disgrace’

Police reservist Valentino Endjala (26) has been discharged from the Namibian Police permanently.

This was announced by police inspector general Joseph Shikongo yesterday.

“Constable Valentino Endjala is not fit to be a police officer, because his conduct within the public domain has created a situation of public discourse and distrust,” he said.

Endjala joined the reserve force on 1 October 2021.

His dismissal from the police came after a video in which he is seen violently manhandling his allegedly pregnant girlfriend had gone viral.

Endjala was dismissed, since there is no provision for suspending reservists in such cases.

Shikongo yesterday highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust between law-enforcement auhtorities and the public after incidents like this.

He urged the public not to lose faith in the police.

Shikongo said he was disappointed that the involved woman did not lay criminal charges, which is common among victims of domestic violence.

“We have seen it even in our own people: A police officer, in particular female, they come to work with a swollen face, but when you ask her, she says she fell from the bed, which is not true,” he said.

Endjala was in a meeting where he was served a dismissal letter at the time The Namibian tried reach him yesterday.

He has not replied to messages sent to him via WhatsApp by the time of going to print.

National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday said the Police Conduct Investigation (PCI) subdivision has found that Endjala wanted to speak to his girlfriend after discovering another man proposed to her.

“He allegedly wanted to speak to her, but a third party was around and interfering, which led to the pushing and pulling incident as seen in the circulating video,” she said.

Shikwambi said the police take any form of violence seriously.

Victims and witness statements were expected to be taken yesterday.

“So far, no criminal cases have been opened, but because the suspect is a reservist who operates under the Police Act and mandate, the Police Conduct Investigation subdivision has the mandate to investigate in terms of the Police Manual on Conduct and Discipline,” she said.

The Landless People’s Movement’s youth and student wing has condemned Endjala’s actions.

Youth and student wing leader for the Khomas region Junia Kaindjee said a more relentless response was needed to address gender-based violence within the police.

He demanded Endjala’s immediate and unconditional suspension.

“This is a necessary step to show that the police are committed to eradicating the cancer of gender-based violence within its ranks,” he said.

He further proposed the urgent implementation of comprehensive training programmes for police officers, focusing on gender sensitivity, non-violence, and the handling of domestic violence.

The youth leader called for ensuring the victim receives the full support, protection, and access to the justice she deserves.

Former police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga reminded police officers to act within the framework of the law.

“We are not guided by the law of the jungle. We have to control our tempers and know how to control our frustration, emotions and manage our stress,” he said.

He said it is important for police officers to remember that, irrespective of their position, they should always follow the laws that govern society.

Former police officer and now man of the cloth Sky Arachab of the Hope Restoration Centre Church at Tsumeb, says police officers’ behaviour in their personal relationships could tarnish the image of the police.

He says the incident should serve as a reminder that law-enforcement officers should strive to be role models in their communities, fostering respect and trust.

“People should understand that once you enter a relationship, it’s about love. Love should prevail. It’s not about resorting to violence,” he says.

Arachab said there is a need for anger management and character development programmes for police officers.

“While education and training are essential, an individual’s character traits, including their capacity for empathy and their ability to work with others are innate and can be challenging to change through training alone,” he said.

WHAT IS A POLICE RESERVIST?

A reservist police officer is an individual appointed to assist regular police officers in executing their duties.

They hold the same legal authority as permanent police officers.

However, they are not considered permanent members of the police, but rather auxiliary members.

Reservist police officers, according to the police, have the same legal powers as regular, permanent police officers. They can wear uniforms, investigate cases, and perform various law enforcement tasks.

They are essentially volunteers who have been appointed to assist the police. They do not receive compensation for their service.

Reservists typically work a limited number of hours per month, often around 16 hours. If they exceed or do not meet this requirement, they may be discharged automatically.

To become a reservist, individuals must meet specific criteria. They should be permanently employed, not be associated with conflicting institutions (such as the media, security companies, or other law-enforcement agencies), and may often be business owners.

Reservist police officers primarily work with regular police officers to prevent and combat crime in their communities.