The government continues to avail resources to improve the accommodation of police officers.

The latest is N$3,8 million spent on the construction of police barracks at King-Nehale police control gate in the Oshikoto Region.

The construction of the barracks, which comprise six rooms and other components, started in 2020 and was completed a year later.

NAMPOL Inspector General Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo says decent accommodation contributes to the improvement of policing services.

Lieutenant General Shikongo is, however, concerned that some police officers are not taking care of government facilities, resulting in fast dilapidation of the infrastructure.

"I am therefore urging all police officers who will be fortunate to be accommodated here in these barracks to take good care of them to enable their brothers and sisters who will come after them to continue providing police services to their community while living in decent accommodation."

He called on the police's senior management to prioritise the provision of housing to officers.

Lieutenant General Shikongo further encouraged police officers to remain dedicated and to continuously improve their policing services to the public, urging them to do so without fear or favour.

"You should, however, be prepared to work under all conditions to serve and protect your communities from the evil deeds of criminals as mandated by the Namibian constitutions and the Police Act 19 of 1990 as amended."

The most prevalent and disturbing crimes committed in Oshikoto Region were assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm, rape, theft, housebreaking, and stock theft.

NAMPOL Inspector General Shikongo says fear of crime puts society at unease, and gives the leadership sleepless nights, particularly looking at the violent manner in which these crimes were committed. 

It is thus vital, he said, that communities join the police and work together with them to combat crime.