Placido Hilukilwa
THE commander of the Namibian police in the Oshikoto Region, Commissioner Teopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, is urging members of the public to desist from demanding the arrest of certain individuals and to instead come forward with information that would enable the law to take its course. She said that such information can be provided to the police anonymously or otherwise.
Kalompo-Nashikaku’s statement comes amidst a public uproar in Tsumeb, where a group of residents is demanding the arrest of certain individuals, including the Tsumeb constituency councillor, for their alleged role in the theft and illicit sale of drought relief food.
Last month, suspected stolen drought food items worth N$100,000 were found at a farm near Oshivelo. Kalompo-Nashikaku confirmed that two separate cases of theft of drought relief food have been registered by the police at Tsumeb and Oshivelo, respectively. Three persons have been arrested so far. One was granted bail while the other two were remanded in custody.
“The two cases are of a serious nature and of serious concern to all Namibians. The police should be allowed to professionally investigate these cases without fear or favour,” she said.
She is inviting those members of the public who have “proper evidence-based information” to contact the Oshikoto Crime Investigation Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Ekandjo, at 0813248182. “The police will appreciate substantive information to assist this crucial investigation,” said Kalompo-Nashikaku.
Due to the tremendous public interest in the case, the Regional Commander promised to keep the public updated on the case’s progress.
Namibia is currently facing severe drought, and the government has provided N$825 million to mitigate the situation.
