Maria David
THE Namibian Police Force Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo has urged the men and women in uniform not to have boundaries when assisting community members.
Shikongo made these remarks during the official opening of the Okatyali C-Class Police Station in the Oshana Region on Friday, emphasizing that police officers should serve all community members equally at all times.
“Let us assist the community that we serve; let us not have any boundaries in our duties,” he said, adding that people should not be turned away when they want to open cases, even if they come from different regions.
Shikongo also highlighted that the police continue to experience a lack of sufficient officers, which is crucial for delivering effective services to the community. This challenge has negatively impacted the deployment strategies for personnel. Thus, the completion of the Okatyali police station is a welcomed development that will allow for proper and suitable deployments of officers.
“The government’s pledge and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Namibian Police Force, particularly the lack of office space for its members,” he said.
He added that the facility was constructed at a cost of about N$5 million. The project commenced on February 2, 2024, and was completed on May 23, 2024.
Shikongo indicated that the facility consists of a charge office, two barracks with eight rooms for males and four rooms for females, a one-bedroom house, a staff entertainment area, a 3-meter-high water stand, one septic tank, and one covered carport.
The police station is also allocated one vehicle, a Toyota Hilux 4×4 Single Cab, which cost N$600,746.
Speaking at the same occasion, Ondonga Traditional Authority King Fillemon Nangolo Shuumbwa called on the officers stationed at the police station to familiarize themselves with the traditional leaders and community members in order to curb crime.
“The police officers should carry out their duties unhindered, and if anyone commits any crime, they should be apprehended to ensure that justice prevails,” he said.
King Shuumbwa also urged community members to avoid harbouring criminals in their houses.
The police were previously operating from a private structure donated by the Councillor of Okatyali Constituency, Joseph Mupetami.
