Maria David
THE Namibian Police Force Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has voiced serious concerns regarding the alarming rate of gender-based violence (GBV) plaguing the nation.
He made these remarks during a community engagement held on Wednesday in Omuthiya.
Shikongo highlighted the deeply disturbing case of an 18-year-old man arrested last month for the alleged murder of six family members, describing it as a “tragic loss for any nation.”
He also addressed the brutal murder of three young children in Okahandja – Rosalind Ndinelao Fabian (6), Ingrid Maasdorp (5), and Beyoncé !Kharuxas (15).
He affirmed that the Namibian Police Force is taking a central role in tackling this crisis.
“The perpetrators are on the run and have not been arrested yet, but we are doing everything possible to uncover them,” he said.
He emphasized the need for national unity in the fight against crime to ensure justice for the victims.
Further, the Inspector General pointed to a worrying increase in missing persons cases, where individuals are vanishing without a trace.
“We need to be united against crime and bring the wrongdoers to book,” he urged.
Shikongo called upon police officers to ensure a swift response to all reported crimes.
Further, Shikongo also called on members of the force to use effective policing, build partnerships, and pursue organizational excellence as the guiding principles shaping police actions.
He then made it clear that the excuse of not having a vehicle available when the community needs police assistance in crime matters must end.
Shikongo stressed that if police services are needed within the town of Omuthiya, then officers should trek to the scene and assist—just as community members make efforts to access policing services.
