Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, says the police will soon start engaging critical stakeholders to map out ways on how best to collaborate and ensure a peaceful national election later this year.

The police chief says no unruly behaviour will be tolerated.

Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant and cautious on the roads as traffic has started to build up on major routes.

nbc's coastal reporter Stefan |Uirab spoke to Nampol's Unit Commander for Community Affairs in the Erongo Region, Inspector Ileni Shapumba.

The Namibian Police is intensifying their efforts and operations to ensure road safety and reduce road trauma.

NamPol has recorded a decrease in road crashes and injuries during 2023 compared to last year.

From the 1st of January 2023 until November 12, 2023, about 2,553, 4,508 injuries, and 357 fatalities were recorded countrywide.

The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, says police visibility will be increased on the streets across the country this festive season.

Lieutenant-General Shikongo says visitors and citizens alike need peace of mind and to feel safe as they wind up the year at holiday destinations of their choice.

The top cop led a night patrol to some of the crime hotspots in the coastal town of Swakopmund as part of the launch of the festive season operation in the town.

The festive season is rapidly drawing nearer, and the police are gearing up for their festive season crime prevention and road safety initiatives.

Inspector General Joseph Shikongo addressed officials in his preparatory meeting for the national festive season crime prevention and road safety operation at the national headquarters in the capital.

Shikongo stressed the need for community engagement and partnerships, emphasising that the support and cooperation of citizens are essential in preventing and combating crime.

The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police says they will not rest until Namibia is rid of criminals who are disturbing peace in communities and among tourists.

Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo made the announcement during the launch of the month-end operation.

The month-end patrol came out of the preparation meeting for the festive season operations.

The operation will be conducted in all corners of the city.

Lieutenant General Shikongo therefore called on the force to serve the communities they pledged to protect.

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) is investigating a case of rape after a 19-year-old girl living with Down syndrome was allegedly raped and impregnated at an unknown time by an unknown suspect in Havana informal settlement, Windhoek.

According to NamPol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the matter only came to light after the victim started complaining about abdominal aches and was subsequently diagnosed with a 13-week pregnancy.

Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has vowed that the Namibian Police will ensure and uphold the safeguarding and protection of journalists in the country.

The Inspector General was speaking at the Training of Trainers Workshop on Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists in Windhoek.

"As the Inspector General, I am here today to make a pledge that we will continue ensuring the safe guarding and protection of journalists and the freedom of expression by the public."

The Inspector General of the Namibian Police is concerned over the increased use of drugs in the country.

Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo says the most commonly used drugs in the country are cannabis, mandrax, heroin, meth, crack cocaine, and power.

He says Namibia was only a drug transit country, but today the country has become drug-consuming, which is worrisome.

The governor of Erongo region, Neville Andre, says young men and boys are at a disadvantage as most are drawn into negative societal issues, are uninspired, and don't strive for success.

Neville Andre, speaking at a police award event, stressed that this is a burning issue that needs intense consultative effort from all stakeholders to find ways to address it and assist young men in becoming better members of society.

Andre says drugs are the number one contributing factor that destroys the potential future of young Namibians, especially young men and boys.