The National Council has given its endorsement to a series of proposed Bills and amendments, marking a significant step toward their eventual enactment into law.
The bills, which were sent to the Upper House by the National Assembly for further scrutiny, underwent extensive debate and deliberation.
During the committee stage of the National Council's proceedings, Victoria Kauma, Chairperson of the Council Committee and Deputy Chairperson of the National Council, reported the agreed Bills as accepted without any amendments.
Bills that received unanimous approval without amendments include the Financial Intelligence Amendment Bill 2 of 2023, which aims to enhance financial intelligence measures.
The Prevention of Organised Crime Amendment Bill 11 of 2023, designed to bolster the nation's fight against organised criminal activities, was also passed without alteration.
Furthermore, the Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Amendment Bill 13 of 2023, the Extradition Amendment Bill 8 of 2023, the International Cooperation in Criminal Matters Amendment Bill 7 of 2023, and the Virtual Assets Bill 12 of 2023 all garnered support from the council members without any changes.
Swapo Party MP John Likando urged fellow countrymen and women to exercise caution when engaging in business dealings with foreigners who have not undergone proper screening.
Peter Kazongominja of NUDO cautioned prospective multinational or transnational criminals, emphasising that the proposed bills would leave them with no refuge once passed into law.
Parliamentarians also underscored the importance of decolonizing the application of the law and doing away with selective justice served based on skin colour, further urging against instilling fear in individuals who have acquired wealth through honest means.
The Police Amendment Bill 5 of 2023, which seeks to amend certain sections of the Police Act of 1990, was also successfully passed after scrutiny by the National Council.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance police procedures and operations.
Another significant bill, Criminal Procedure Amendment 10 of 2023, received approval from the National Council with minor concerns raised.
Swapo's Likando stressed the importance of proper training for police officers, particularly investigating officers, to ensure successful prosecution based on sound evidence and comprehensive reporting.
The Bill's proposed amendments include provisions allowing witnesses in criminal matters to testify via visual or audio links, reducing the need for their physical presence in court.
Furthermore, the amendments empower police officers to request relevant documents from involved parties to facilitate investigations related to money laundering, financial crimes, and suspected funding of terrorism.
Parliamentarians Christopher Likuwa and Leonard Shikulo cautioned against the potential abuse of these powers by the police.
With the National Council's endorsement of these Bills, the next step involves returning them to the National Assembly for further processing.
Once the Bills have successfully gone through the legislative process, they will be presented to the president for signing into law.