Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has called for proactive, visible and intelligence-driven policing to protect communities.
Speaking on the occasion of the official launch of Operation Basadi at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College on Thursday, the Minister said that the operation reaffirms Government’s responsibility to protect lives, property, dignity and constitutional rights and to ensure that every person can live and work in peace.
Operation Basadi is a bi-annual, women-led law enforcement initiative by NamPol and other security cluster members to combat gender-based violence and related crimes.
Minister Iipumbu said that the operation comes at a time when Namibian communities continue to face various safety and security challenges that require law-enforcement agencies and the broader security cluster “to remain proactive, visible, responsive and intelligence-driven”.
“Government cannot afford to respond only after crime has occurred. We must anticipate threats, prevent crime wherever possible and respond swiftly and effectively when it occurs,” she said.
Iipumbu said the success of the operation should not be measured only by arrests, fines or activities conducted, but by lives protected, communities made safer, crime prevented and increased public confidence in law-enforcement agencies.
She reminded officers that the authority to enforce the law must be exercised lawfully, professionally and with respect for human dignity.
“Every interaction with a member of the public is an opportunity to strengthen confidence in our law-enforcement institutions. Misconduct, abuse of authority or disrespectful treatment of the public can, however, undermine years of effort to build that trust,” Iipumbu cautioned.
She appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police, report suspicious activities and share information that can assist in preventing crime.
Iipumbu stressed that the fight against crime must always be conducted within the confines of the law.
“The rule of law is not an obstacle to effective policing. It is the foundation of legitimate and sustainable policing. Operation Basadi must therefore be conducted in full compliance with our Constitution, applicable legislation, established procedures, human rights principles and standards of accountability,” she said.
To criminals, she said Government’s message is clear: “We remain resolute in combating crime and protecting the people of Namibia.”
The Minister said that the law-enforcement agencies will continue to strengthen operational capacity, improve intelligence gathering and deepen cooperation with communities.
Iipumbu also called on young people to reject criminality, violence and exploitation, saying it is a collective responsibility to create an environment where youth can pursue legitimate opportunities and contribute positively to society.
“Let Operation Basadi be characterised by professionalism, integrity, accountability, effective coordination and meaningful results. Let it strengthen the relationship between the security cluster and the communities it serves,” she said.
Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security
