Nampol Inspector General has urged police officers to stop using the lack of transport as an excuse when responding to calls from community members.
Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo made the remark while addressing members of the force at the Zambezi Regional Police Headquarters in Katima Mulilo on Friday.
Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo stated that, although vehicles are assigned to various departments, they should also be used to respond to emergencies involving community members.
"When we talk about attending to the community, it doesn’t only mean using vehicles from operations. It can be a car from the Criminal Investigation Department or traffic—where are those vehicles? This year, we have provided about eight new vehicles. Currently, there are 97 vehicles in the region; 27 are grounded due to mechanical problems, which we are addressing. So, where are the remaining 70 vehicles?”
Shikongo emphasised that officers should patrol and respond to reports on foot in groups when necessary to ensure communities receive timely assistance.
“Tell the community you don't have a car when you have to travel over 10 kilometers, but in a radius of about 5, 7, or 6 kilometers, walk and go to the community. Are we together? Because remember the community that is coming to you; they are walking from their houses, walking to you. Why can't you walk to them,” he added.
The police chief later joined members of the Zambezi Security Cluster during an evening patrol in Katima Mulilo.
The operation targeted identified crime "hot spots," including the Macaravani location and various bar establishments.
During the patrol, he advised business owners to adhere strictly to their licensed operating hours and called on residents to consume alcohol responsibly.
The patrol followed the earlier briefing in which the Inspector General encouraged continued collaboration among ministries and agencies responsible for maintaining peace and safeguarding the country.
The security cluster, comprised law enforcement officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibian Correctional Service, Namibia Revenue Agency, and immigration officials, worked alongside the police during the operation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Shikongo also addressed cadet trainees at the Simon Mutumba Mutumba Police Training Centre ahead of their work-integrated learning program scheduled for March. The trainees are expected to graduate in May.
He encouraged the cadets to uphold professionalism and discipline as core values of the Namibian Police Force while emphasising the importance of responsible financial management and prioritizing mental health as part of their overall preparedness for active service.