The Namibian Police in the Otjozondjupa Region hosted a five-day training exercise for the Okakarara Constituency Crime Prevention Association (OCCPA).

This is in line with efforts to involve communities in the fight against crime, especially stock theft, which is rampant in the region.

Members of the Okakarara Constituency Crime Prevention Association were joined by other like-minded individuals from the Omaheke Region. They were guided by the principles of an effective community policing philosophy.

Community policing strengthens law enforcement efforts, builds trust, and creates a positive relationship between the public and the police.  

The training ensured that communities knew how to protect their lives and properties through continuous engagement with the police.

Okakarara Constituency Crime Prevention Association's Chairperson, Vezuva Aluteni, called on the police to provide more training opportunities, especially for those residing far from police stations.

"Communities, especially rural communities where police stations are stationed far from a large segment of the population, have a moral and legal obligation to protect the lives and properties of those who are unable to fight for themselves and to assist the police. This can be established through the establishment of well-trained and well-capable community policing forums such as the OCCPA."

NamPol handed out cards to all OCCPA members for identification purposes during their operations.

The Okakarara constituency established the association following a high number of stock theft reports in 2021.