Police net 212 in nationwide anti-crime blitz

Police arrested 212 suspects, seized illicit goods worth more than N$160 000 and drugs valued at over N$90 000 as well as issued traffic fines totalling N$562 250 during a nationwide four-day crime prevention crackdown across all 14 regions at the end of January.

The operation, code-named 'Walya Shakakodhi Tala Pombada', ran from 30 January to 2 February and was launched in response to what the police described as escalating criminal activity across the country.

Police Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo said he ordered the weekend operation in response to a rise in aggravated robberies, drug dealing, stock theft, poaching, illegal hunting and financial and online crimes.

“The operation was executed countrywide with the primary objective of preventing crime, restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety and security of all people within the Republic of Namibia,” Shikongo said during a debriefing parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College on Tuesday.

Drugs valued at N$90 840 were confiscated, while suspected stolen property worth N$84 500 was recovered.

Police also seized 15 unlicensed firearms and took two additional firearms for safekeeping. Twelve stock theft cases were reported during the operation.

Illicit goods, including Yes cigarettes, fuel and alcohol, valued at N$163 813, were confiscated. Shikongo said the results “demonstrate that coordinated planning, effective command and teamwork remain key pillars in our fight against crime”.

Regional success

The operation included urban and rural foot and vehicle patrols, roadblocks, liquor law enforcement and ATM surveillance at shopping centres.

Regionally, Hardap recorded the highest number of arrests at 51, followed by Oshana with 46 and Omusati with 19. Khomas recorded 15 arrests and traffic summonses totalling N$114 750, while Otjozondjupa accounted for the highest number of firearms confiscated at eight.

Despite the gains, Shikongo acknowledged logistical constraints.

“Certain challenges were experienced, including poor or non-existent mobile network coverage in some areas, inadequate patrol vehicles and a shortage of manpower,” he said.

The police chief nevertheless described the operation as a success and announced that similar operations would continue indefinitely across all regions.

Police crimes tarnish image

In a separate development, Shikongo revealed that 13 police officers have been arrested or accused of committing criminal offences since January.

Their arrests are linked to possession of cannabis, corruption and extortion, contravention of the Anti-Corruption Act, corrupt use of office, stock theft-related offences, as well as forgery and contravention of the Education Act.

“The arrest of these members is regrettable and disappointing to the Namibian Police Force. Such conduct undermines the integrity, discipline and image of the force,” he said.

He added: “I condemn in the strongest terms all members within the organisation who act contrary to the values and principles of the force, thereby tarnishing its image.”

Some of the accused officers have been remanded in custody, while others have been granted bail pending their next court appearances.