Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is stepping up efforts to protect tourists and safeguard its reputation as a safe travel destination. Police Chief Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has placed the Tourism Protection Subdivision under his direct command, a move aimed at improving coordination, operational oversight, and rapid response to crimes affecting visitors.
The specialised unit, now headed by Chief Inspector Christina van Dunem Dafonsech, will focus on preventing and investigating crimes targeting tourists, protecting tourism infrastructure, and maintaining a secure environment for both domestic and international visitors.
Shikongo announced the realignment during a debriefing parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College, citing recent international travel advisories and a reported increase in crimes affecting tourists. “Criminal incidents against visitors attract national attention and must be addressed decisively. This subdivision ensures a professional, coordinated approach to tourism safety across all 14 regions,” he said.
The police chief highlighted the subdivision’s role in rapid response, professional investigations, and cooperation with stakeholders to strengthen public confidence. He also praised officers for recent nationwide crime prevention operations, adding their professionalism in visible policing, intelligence-led interventions, roadblocks, and patrols.
Shikongo called on law enforcement and communities to work together to maintain safety, stressing that crime should not become part of Namibian society. “By prioritising tourist safety, we protect Namibia’s international image and contribute to economic stability,” he said.
Photo: File
