Shikongo engages Walvis business community

Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo held a consultation meeting with members of the Walvis Bay business community on Tuesday.

The meeting aimed to allow the business community to engage with Shikongo to reassure them of the police’s readiness to serve the community with honour and integrity.

The inspector general said fighting crime is the responsibility of every Namibian, as well as visitors, and urged all Namibians to help ensure that the country becomes crime free

“The police are mandated to arrest, investigate and then take the offender to prosecution. All Namibians can contribute to reducing crime in the country. We come together and engage. We want to ensure that Namibia is the safest place in southern Africa, Africa and the world. Foreign investors spend money here,” he said.

Shikongo urged Namibians to work together at combating corruption, as it destroys many countries.

“Corruption happens from both sides. Sometimes people say the police are corrupt, but you find police officers becoming corrupt due to somebody driving it. Instead of you being given a fine, you bribe the officers. It should be done away with,” he said.

Walvis Bay Business Community chairperson Johny Doëseb at the meeting pledged the business community’s commitment to assisting the police.

Doëseb said the country can only become prosperous if crime is combatted.

“When we let police officers beg for things like cars and stationery, they become meaningless and powerless in the eyes of society. We need to address it. The private sector is ready to meet the demands and needs of the police.

“In Erongo, the private sector is willing to play its part because we understand what it needs to be safe. We are calling for each and every person to play his or her part,” he said.

Doëseb thanked Shikongo for his interest in engaging with the business community.

Meanwhile, Erongo regional police commander Nikolaus Kupembona applauded the Erongo community for assisting the police to achieve better crime prevention.

“As police regional commander, I am proud to say, with your continuous support, the police in the region have recorded a decreased crime statistic during 2022 compared to the previous year.

“We appeal to the communities to continue cooperating with the police by sharing information about potential crime, or information that would aid the police in concluding successful investigations.

“Let us therefore continue to hold hands for the safety of our region,” he said.

Kupembona urged the Erongo community to continue cooperating with the police, and thereby keep residents safe.

Most attendees agreed that the issue of drugs remains of concern in the region.