The Namibian police launched a nationwide, women-led crime prevention programme titled Operation Basadi 2026 on Friday.
Launching the operation, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu said the operation is a clear demonstration of the Namibian government's recommitment to ensuring safety and security for all.
Operation Basadi was established following the initiatives of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) in 2022.
Iipumbu said, "The success of this operation should be measured not only by the number of arrests made, or fines imposed, or the activities conducted, but it will be reflected in lives protected, communities made safer, criminal activity prevented, and the confidence that is strengthened between our people and the law enforcement agencies."
Iipumbu and the Acting Inspector General of Police both emphasised that the operation must be characterised by professionalism, integrity, accountability, effective coordination, and the delivery of meaningful results.
"No operation can succeed without the cooperation of the communities it seeks to protect. Members of the public often possess information that can assist law enforcement agencies in preventing crime and identifying those responsible for criminal activity," said Iipumbu. "I therefore appeal to all members of the public to cooperate with the police, report suspicious activities and provide relevant information through the appropriate channels."
On her part, Major General Anne-Marie Nainda stated, "I want to address all of us as police officers by emphasising that this is an enforcement operation. It does not align with their usual model of operation. Therefore, over the next three days, we must be visible and proactive and respond without hesitation, ensuring we achieve the objectives of this operation."
The operation comes at a time when communities face a number of challenges such as violence against women and children and drug abuse, among others.
"In addition to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), we will place particular emphasis on the violence faced by children, including issues such as baby dumping. A range of activities will run concurrently, focusing on all forms of violent crime, as well as other offences, over the next four days," stated Nainda. She further noted, "Regarding drug-related issues, we encourage members of the public to provide us with information so that we can tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse within our communities."