The capital city of Namibia, Windhoek is no longer safe. This is a community that has grown, since independence, to have more locations. Some you can’t even pronounce.
Twenty-seven years back, the colonisers had the power, but now that the community has freedom, peace, stability, greater visions, etc. It has turned into a town of anger, danger, rape, murder and gender-based violence.
Safety is a state of mind in each and every one of us. There is not one individual who wants scars, to be chased or scared to walk home at night. But now, we have to leave our smart phones and shoes at home or hide our gold teeth when talking to needy criminals.
My point of view is that most citizens depend on the Namibian Police for all safety, which is great, because our officers do what they can to protect us. We have professionally trained law enforcement officers which about 90% of our population don’t appreciate.
Criminals are getting smarter and smarter each day but the professional officers are too. Criminals have so many techniques that you will only notice when you come home without your wallet.
Criminals have factors that support their criminal careers; it may be to put bread on the table or just to drive that ‘Dankie Botswana’, none of which are an excuse in terms of our law.
A lack of safety doesn’t affect us physically but also mentally.
My advice to my Namibian family is to carry pepper spray, go for self-defense classes – especially our women.
Be safe.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
