Otjozondjupa Police Commander Philip Hidengwa called on security companies to work hand in hand with the police.

Commissioner Hidengwa made an appeal during a meeting with the heads of security companies at Otjiwarongo. 

 There are about 25 security companies registered in Otjiwarongo. 

Their service is around the clock, and their collaboration, Commissioner Hidengwa says, is key. 

"There's no difference in the aims between a private security company and NamPol. The only difference is that it comes in with the mandate. That after this person is arrested by a certain security company, what do we do with this person? You hand them over to the Namibian Police Force."

While some of the crimes committed involve security officers, Hidengwa says background checks before and after recruitment are a must. 

"I'm not saying because a person is driving a Dankie Botwana he stole it, but we are having means for the police where we can say, 'Can you try to check on the lifestyle of this specific person because this is costing us a lot?' You declare your guard; the robbery took place. Apparently because he was chasing somebody who was running to the other side. "

The guards, he says, should also be trained on how to use firearms and also how to properly carry them.
Rubicon Group Security Manager Jonathan Moore concurred. 

"Every shift change you should have a handover. You should have everybody assemble at that one point where you check the uniforms and check their conduct and if they are sober during the handover. You can't deploy your guards who are under the influence." 

Amon Security Services Operations Manager Andreas Iitana says when hiring security guards, they do call the previous employers.

"If we can, maybe all of us, to be honest, tell each other as companies to hide the bad background check of a person, now you are trying to cover the person to make him a good person while the person is a criminal, "stressed Iiitana. 

As for crimes that take place at ATMs, the security companies guarding banks will work hand in hand to make sure that they apprehend such criminals.

The security companies will be meeting at least three times yearly to discuss security matters.