Vicky relishes crime fight
Vicky Matjila, who is the Head of NamPol’s Community Policing Directorate, wasn’t always making sure that our neighbourhoods are safe places to live and dwell.
As many Namibians know, Vicky started out as TV and radio personality, and her voice is unmistakeable.
Born into a big family, the tenacious go-getter has always been self-motivated. She has encountered various personal and professional struggles, but had never shied away from a challenge that had come to her doorstep. “Although I am self-motivated, I strive at all times to stay connected to God, for He is where I draw my strength from. One of my favourite verses in the Bible is ‘delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the pleasures of your heart’. So far God has not disappointed me,” she enthusiastically noted.
Vicky, who holds a B (Honours) in Journalism and Communication Technology from the former
Polytechnic of Namibia, also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies from the University of Namibia (Unam).
She recently completed her Master of Economic and Social Studies in International Relations at Cardiff University in Wales. The postgraduate degree’s purpose was to enable Vicky to transition further into her policing role, and many might wonder how the entertainment connoisseur ended up in law enforcement.
The journey started off with Vicky seated in a salon, where she was reading about the various abuses and crimes that happen on a daily all across the country.
While contemplating why these crimes exist in the first place, and thinking about what she can do about the matter, Vicky was asked by a stranger why she doesn’t just become a police officer, so she can to help curb the crimes that plague many women and children in Namibia. “At first I thought ‘what a preposterous idea’ - me, Vicky, a police officer? After a little bit of contemplation, I decided that I was going to do it and some months later I graduated as a police officer in the Namibian police force,” she recalled gleefully.
Her duties at the Community Policing Directorate include monitoring, assisting and advising on the implementation of community policing concepts across Namibia, ensuring that the concept takes root and is well-understood, and that effective structures are in place.
“In addition, the role of my office is to assist with establishment of crime prevention programmes e.g. neighbourhood watch groups and crime prevention forums. I also advise community affairs units nationwide on policy-related issues, and encourage police involvement in public education awareness campaigns,” she noted.
Vicky was chosen to be the head of the unit, because of her wide exposure to community issues and her understanding of the entertainment and media industries.
“My role as the head of community policing has moulded me into a person who understands the problems and needs of others. It has enhanced my character as a person, and encouraged me to strive at all times to be disciplined, honest, reliable and performance-driven,” she told Namibian Sun.
“As a police officer, my education and role in community policing impacts many lives and families positively. Therefore, there is no doubt in my mind that my Master’s degree has advanced my level of thinking and approach to problem solving and national security issues, more especially in maritime security and illegal fishing, which I specialised in.
“Moreover, my qualification has equipped me with the understanding to perform at a senior command level, guided by the sound knowledge of my course of study and the area I have researched.
She said there was an urgent need for young professionals to be given an opportunity to further their studies and improve themselves academically.
“In this regard, I anticipate to mentor not only police officers, but young people Namibians who want to advance themselves,” Vicky said.
Vicky is also a Chevening alumna, after having obtained a Chevening Scholarship in 2014 to pursue her Masters at Cardiff University. Chevening Scholarships are the United Kingdom government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.
They are awarded to outstanding future leaders for their strong academic background, and who want to pursue a one-year Masters’ degree in any subject, and at any recognised UK university.
Although she still does radio shows for the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), her aim is to focus on her community policing duties, making sure that the envisioned levels of safety and security in and around the country are provided by those put in charge to do so.
KEITH VRIES
As many Namibians know, Vicky started out as TV and radio personality, and her voice is unmistakeable.
Born into a big family, the tenacious go-getter has always been self-motivated. She has encountered various personal and professional struggles, but had never shied away from a challenge that had come to her doorstep. “Although I am self-motivated, I strive at all times to stay connected to God, for He is where I draw my strength from. One of my favourite verses in the Bible is ‘delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the pleasures of your heart’. So far God has not disappointed me,” she enthusiastically noted.
Vicky, who holds a B (Honours) in Journalism and Communication Technology from the former
Polytechnic of Namibia, also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies from the University of Namibia (Unam).
She recently completed her Master of Economic and Social Studies in International Relations at Cardiff University in Wales. The postgraduate degree’s purpose was to enable Vicky to transition further into her policing role, and many might wonder how the entertainment connoisseur ended up in law enforcement.
The journey started off with Vicky seated in a salon, where she was reading about the various abuses and crimes that happen on a daily all across the country.
While contemplating why these crimes exist in the first place, and thinking about what she can do about the matter, Vicky was asked by a stranger why she doesn’t just become a police officer, so she can to help curb the crimes that plague many women and children in Namibia. “At first I thought ‘what a preposterous idea’ - me, Vicky, a police officer? After a little bit of contemplation, I decided that I was going to do it and some months later I graduated as a police officer in the Namibian police force,” she recalled gleefully.
Her duties at the Community Policing Directorate include monitoring, assisting and advising on the implementation of community policing concepts across Namibia, ensuring that the concept takes root and is well-understood, and that effective structures are in place.
“In addition, the role of my office is to assist with establishment of crime prevention programmes e.g. neighbourhood watch groups and crime prevention forums. I also advise community affairs units nationwide on policy-related issues, and encourage police involvement in public education awareness campaigns,” she noted.
Vicky was chosen to be the head of the unit, because of her wide exposure to community issues and her understanding of the entertainment and media industries.
“My role as the head of community policing has moulded me into a person who understands the problems and needs of others. It has enhanced my character as a person, and encouraged me to strive at all times to be disciplined, honest, reliable and performance-driven,” she told Namibian Sun.
“As a police officer, my education and role in community policing impacts many lives and families positively. Therefore, there is no doubt in my mind that my Master’s degree has advanced my level of thinking and approach to problem solving and national security issues, more especially in maritime security and illegal fishing, which I specialised in.
“Moreover, my qualification has equipped me with the understanding to perform at a senior command level, guided by the sound knowledge of my course of study and the area I have researched.
She said there was an urgent need for young professionals to be given an opportunity to further their studies and improve themselves academically.
“In this regard, I anticipate to mentor not only police officers, but young people Namibians who want to advance themselves,” Vicky said.
Vicky is also a Chevening alumna, after having obtained a Chevening Scholarship in 2014 to pursue her Masters at Cardiff University. Chevening Scholarships are the United Kingdom government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.
They are awarded to outstanding future leaders for their strong academic background, and who want to pursue a one-year Masters’ degree in any subject, and at any recognised UK university.
Although she still does radio shows for the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), her aim is to focus on her community policing duties, making sure that the envisioned levels of safety and security in and around the country are provided by those put in charge to do so.
KEITH VRIES
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