The Inspector General of the Police, Joseph Shikongo, has reminded senior officers to carry out and oversee purposeful investigations while adhering to the rule of law.

Lieutenant General Shikongo took a swipe at the management of the Crime Investigation Division, who are attending a workshop in the capital.

Lieutenant General Shikongo did not mince his words when he highlighted the crucial role that investigations play in the country's criminal justice system. 

He explained that investigations are not an end in themselves but a means to ensure both the prosecution of suspects and the delivery of justice.

The police chief said the foundational role of the police as the "first leg" of the criminal justice system should be a reminder to police officers that the legal process begins with them.

Shikongo is not impressed by the lacklustre work exhibited by some of the officers advising his commissioners and deputy commissioners to reference the penal code when handling cases. 

The police chief also expressed his frustration with how the police often handle civil matters.

"At many police stations, officers deal with situations where individuals are detained over civil issues, such as debt repayment disputes; this one owes money, and the police officers arrest these people, no." 

He further pointed out that confiscated items are often found at police stations due to these kinds of cases, and these are actions that Shikongo does not consent to.

Since assuming the highest office in the Force, the police chief has always advocated for civilian education rather than arrests. He said that holding cells across the country are overcrowded seemingly because of unnecessary and sometimes "deliberate" arrests carried out by his members.

"Some of our cells are full, and we look to our police station and the way they are designed; Oshikoto is now topping the number of inmates of overcrowding; Wanaheda was only meant for 150 inmates; Katutura 150; Windhoek police station 150; Otjomuise 120."

At the conference, Lieutenant General Shikongo also released some statistics related to crime, which has seen a decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous financial year.

He described the case clearance rate as unsatisfactory and wants to see an increase from the current 37% to 44%.