The Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence, and Security and the Namibian Police Force are collectively prioritising enhanced partnerships to combat crime and improve national safety.
The Committee highlighted that limited resources are hindering effective policing, specifically mentioning challenges related to stock theft, gender-based violence and the safety of citizens who use public transport.
Namibia is currently experiencing an increase in assaults and robberies, raising concern among citizens.
During a meeting with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence, and Security, the Police Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, reiterated Nampol's commitment to public safety.
Lieutenant General Shikongo called for collaborative efforts with the parliamentary committee to push for stronger laws against criminal activities and to develop safer city systems.
He also emphasised the need for increased budgetary support to effectively tackle these criminal challenges.
"We are ready to serve our people and nation. We live in a world filled with many societal issues that we must confront directly; however, addressing these challenges is not solely the police's responsibility but rather a collective effort that requires collaboration from all sectors. Our democracy is sometimes misunderstood; when you try to bring in things that are working better for society, people will look at it as domination or being suppressed, but some of these laws are actually helping us to navigate through some of these problems."
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence, and Security, James Uerikua, emphasised the committee's role in strengthening national security, crime prevention, and responsiveness, as well as capacitating the police to successfully execute its mandate.
This, by ensuring safety in communities and safeguarding the properties and lives of the citizens.
Lieutenant General Shikongo also assured that promotions and appointments within the police force are conducted transparently and based on merit, dismissing claims of tribalism influencing these processes.