Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has called for cooperation between the police and the community of Omitara in the Omaheke Region in order to fight crime.

During a police-community meeting at Farm Rooikraal, in the area of Omitara village, today, Lieutenant General Shikongo introduced various high- and middle-ranking police officers to the public, saying his force is ready to work with the public to root out criminal activities.

The police chief also received and responded to some concerns and complaints raised by residents, especially commercial farmers in the area.

Among others, the farmers complained about the closure of the Hose Kutako International Airport police station, the lack of adequate police at the Witvlei police station, the drunkenness (alcohol consumption) of officers there, and the ineffective operation of the Kapps Farm police roadblock.

Some community members also brought up the issue of dirt at Omitara, where residents relieve themselves alongside the road; the slaughter of their animals, including donkeys, by criminals; and the proliferation of uncontrolled shebeens in most settlements in the Okorukambe Constituency area.

Lt. Gen. Shikongo stressed the importance of discipline among members of the force while at the same time promising to look into other concerns raised.

Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate appealed to white commercial farmers to work with the government to address some of the social problems such as poverty and poor living conditions faced by the resident