52 abuse, contraband cases in cells

Iipumbu disclosed the figures in the National Assembly while responding to a question by IPC deputy shadow minister Vilho Ihemba, who raised concerns about alleged criminality and abuse in police cells countrywide. 

According to the minister, 17 cases of extortion were recorded over the three years, four in 2023/2024, 7 in 2024/2025, and six in 2025/2026. 

Cases of sodomy and rape were the highest category, with 24 incidents recorded, five in 2023/2024, 9 in 2024/2025, and 10 in 2025/2026. A further 11 cases related to the smuggling of contraband into holding cells, including two cases in 2023/2024, 6 in 2024/2025, and three in 2025/2026.

Ihemba said “countless complaints” had been reported to commanding officers, alleging that inmates extort money from fellow detainees and that serious crimes are committed “in full view of police officers”. “It has become a growing concern over the past years to the citizens of Namibia, particularly regarding the current state of affairs at police stations countrywide,” he said.

He further alleged that “vulnerable offenders are sodomised by inmates, and little is done to prevent this”, adding that contraband is smuggled into cells “by criminals in cahoots with some police officers”. “These corrupt practices have eroded public trust in NAMPOL,” Ihemba said, arguing that urgent and permanent solutions are required.

In response, Iipumbu said the ministry has adopted a proactive approach, ensuring regular cell searches to eliminate contraband and monitor officers who may attempt to smuggle prohibited items. “All seized contrabands, including objects and wires, are destroyed to ensure the safety of the facilities,” she said.

She added that inmates found with prohibited items are dealt with accordingly, while officers implicated in smuggling face accountability under Regulation 15 of the Police Act, Act 19 of 1990, as amended. Cash confiscated during searches is deposited directly into the state bank account.