Tourist protection placed under police to strengthen country's safety reputation

Tourist safety in Namibia has been placed under the direct command of the national police following the temporary transfer of the tourism protection subdivision, a move aimed at boosting the security of the country’s tourism assets.

Veteran police officer Chief Inspector Christina Van-Dunem Da Fonsech has been appointed to lead the unit.

The announcement was made by police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo on Tuesday.

Shikongo said the strategy reflects tourism’s status as a strategic pillar of the Namibian economy and addresses the growing need for specialised protection of tourists, related facilities and activities.

He said the specialised unit is tasked with protecting Namibia’s image as a safe destination for travellers. 

Its mandate includes preventing, investigating and responding to crimes affecting visitors and tourism services, while actively protecting the country’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

Restore trust

Key responsibilities include visible crime prevention patrols in tourism zones such as hotels, airports, national parks and major attractions, and investigating crimes against tourists.

The unit also provides rapid assistance and victim support to tourists, working closely with embassies, consulates and travel agencies when incidents occur. Intelligence gathering and analysis are a core component of operations, targeting criminal trends, syndicates and repeat offenders operating in tourism areas.

Shikongo said the unit’s work is supported by collaboration with hotels, tour operators, transport services, tourism authorities, local police stations and private security companies.

Its additional responsibilities include investigating missing tourist cases and accidents, and public safety awareness initiatives.