Operation Basadi should help build a safer and stronger Namibia, where all people can live and work in peace, safety and dignity.
These were the sentiments shared by various law enforcement stakeholders at the launch of Operation Basadi in Windhoek.
Operation Basadi, under the police, will be carried out nationwide in collaboration with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), the National Youth Service and Windhoek City Police.
Senior Superintendent Hilma Mpuka, Unit Commander for Administration at Windhoek City Police, said female members are active participants in the law enforcement community, involved in patrols, traffic law enforcement, municipal bylaw enforcement, community engagement and other public safety activities.
“Their participation gives them an opportunity to work together with their counterparts from the Namibian Police Force and other participating institutions,” Mpuka said. “It also provides an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen cooperation among women in law enforcement.”
She noted that the Namibian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies operate within the municipal boundaries of Windhoek, adding that Windhoek City Police also operates within the same environment.
“We therefore share the same communities and, in many instances, respond to similar public safety concerns,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Frieda Snewe, Head of the Community Supervision Division at the Namibian Correctional Service, said the fight against crime does not end with an arrest and prosecution.
“Our responsibility extends to the safe custody, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into society,” Snewe said. “In this regard, the Namibian Correctional Service’s participation in initiatives such as Operation Basadi is an opportunity to strengthen the collective response to crime while contributing to safer communities.”
She added that the service’s mission is “simple, yet profound: to provide a safe, humane environment for offenders while guiding them on a path of rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.”
Jacqueline Ga!wanas, the Acting Head of Customs and Excise at NamRA, said Operation Basadi has, over the years, created an opportunity for women to engage beyond the boundaries of individual agencies to share experiences, strengthen professional relationships and better understand the different roles they play in protecting their communities.
“Women in customs are proud to be part of that journey,” Gawa!nas said. “For customs, participation in Operation Basadi is particularly important because our mandates place us at the border and at key points of entry and exit of our country. Our work is therefore not limited to revenue collection.”