Police to purchase new vehicles
Some officers have used own money to fix old cars
Many police vehicles that are still in use today have reached the end of their lifespan and have even surpassed their mileage.
The Namibian Police will be purchasing new vehicles as per the allocated budget for this financial year. The distribution of the vehicles will take place countrywide, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said, adding that transportation is vital for police operations.
The last time the force purchased vehicles was in the 2015–2016 financial year, and 1 300 cars were also decommissioned during that time.
According to Shikwambi, many cars that are still in use today have reached the end of their lifespan and have even surpassed their mileage.
"So, the cars are very old, yet those are the cars that are running in different areas to serve communities. It is a fact that we are operating with limited and old vehicles," she said.
She emphasised that the rearrangement in all spheres of the police force is crucial, especially regarding the police fleet.
New wheels
Shikwambi confirmed the purchase of a new vehicle for Oshana police regional commander Naftal Sakaria Lungameni, but could not provide details on its cost.
Lungameni told Namibian Sun the car he had was giving him problems.
“The vehicle constantly broke down on numerous occasions. It was [over]heating and after every 100 kilometres, I had to stop. I once had to use my own money to get it fixed at a local garage when it broke down,” he said.
Shikwambi further confirmed the replacement of old vehicles for the Omahake and Zambezi regional commanders, citing that their cars were plagued by mechanical and various other issues.
She further commended businesses as well as individuals who continue to assist the Namibian Police with their vehicles.
The last time the force purchased vehicles was in the 2015–2016 financial year, and 1 300 cars were also decommissioned during that time.
According to Shikwambi, many cars that are still in use today have reached the end of their lifespan and have even surpassed their mileage.
"So, the cars are very old, yet those are the cars that are running in different areas to serve communities. It is a fact that we are operating with limited and old vehicles," she said.
She emphasised that the rearrangement in all spheres of the police force is crucial, especially regarding the police fleet.
New wheels
Shikwambi confirmed the purchase of a new vehicle for Oshana police regional commander Naftal Sakaria Lungameni, but could not provide details on its cost.
Lungameni told Namibian Sun the car he had was giving him problems.
“The vehicle constantly broke down on numerous occasions. It was [over]heating and after every 100 kilometres, I had to stop. I once had to use my own money to get it fixed at a local garage when it broke down,” he said.
Shikwambi further confirmed the replacement of old vehicles for the Omahake and Zambezi regional commanders, citing that their cars were plagued by mechanical and various other issues.
She further commended businesses as well as individuals who continue to assist the Namibian Police with their vehicles.
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