Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) has expressed concern over a music video circulating on social media platforms and wishes to distance itself from the video, despite the visible police logo appearing in it.
The logo was used without authorisation and for reasons only known to the creator of the content.
Joseph Shikongo, Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, stated that the unauthorised use of the police logo is a criminal offence under Section 32 of the Police Act of 1990, Act No. 19 of 1990, as amended.
“NAMPOL condemns the video in the strongest terms, as its content promotes tribal and racial disharmony, and moreover incites exclusion and hatred. The song alleges that ‘the Ndonga people are violent, hostile, create fear among the communities by killing people, and if they want to leave the land, they must pronounce themselves,’” Shikongo said.
He added that the publication of such a song or content contains criminal elements under the Racial Discrimination Prohibition Act, Act 26 of 1991, Section 11 (as amended).
“The Act criminalises the public use of language, publications, or acts intended to threaten, insult, or incite hatred against persons based on their racial group. Section 14 imposes penalties of up to N$100,000 or 15 years’ imprisonment for these offences. Through preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the video is AI-generated. In view of this, the Namibian Police Force cautions members of the public against initiating, publishing, or circulating misleading, unfounded, malicious, or defamatory content, as such actions have serious repercussions,” Shikongo said.
He added that the Namibian Police Force remains committed to promoting peace, unity, law, and order and will continue to engage the public through accurate, verified, and responsible communication.
