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Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Joseph Shikongo has expressed concern over the ‘disappointing’ performance of several station commanders nationwide, further blasting them for not maintaining holding cells to ensure that they are habitable.Shikongo shared his concerns at the official opening of a five-day leadership development training course for 36 A-class station commanders from all 14 regions, which took place on Monday at Ngandu Lodge in Rundu.He highlighted the importance of holding station commanders accountable for their performance, as their effectiveness directly impacts the safety and well-being of the communities they serve."There are some station commanders that are a serious headache when it comes to their performance," the police chief stressed.According to him, while some station commanders are dedicated and committed to effectively executing their duties, others are disappointing the force."During my visits to some stations, I have observed several issues that I believe need to be paid attention to. For instance, the conditions of the holding cells in which suspected persons are held are unconducive and need serious intervention. Even if an inspector, commander or warrant officer happens to get arrested one day, would you like to be held in a cell that is filthy and unconducive?" Shikongo questioned.Rude officersHe further criticised the service provided by officers at some police stations, citing a lack of professionalism regarding the assistance offered to the public."I have received several calls from members of the public complaining about not receiving assistance at their respective police stations. Some members have also complained about the level of professionalism at police stations, saying that some police officers are very rude,” he said."Another issue that I have observed is the lack of resources at some police stations. I have observed that some of the stations have guns with little or no bullets. This is unacceptable. Station commanders who cannot defend their cases always find it fitting to blame the police headquarters, saying they were informed that there aren&#039;t enough bullets. This is not true. This organisation has enough bullets,” the police chief fumed.“Even though we know that resources are costly, it is all about reporting such matters to the relevant structures so that such matters can be addressed and resources can be provided.”Coordination, communicationIn order to resolve some of the issues within the force, effective coordination and communication are required, Shikongo said."Last year, when I visited the station in Okongo, the station commander took me around and informed me that there are three police vehicles without batteries while the others were due for service. After my intervention, the batteries for all three cars were acquired within a day or two, which brings me back to the point I made about effective coordination and communication.”At the opening of the course, he encouraged the station commanders to take their training seriously."The training you are receiving today is not just a collection of lessons, but a vessel where leaders are forged, tested and refined as beacons of hope and inspiration in their respective fields.“This training course has been meticulously crafted to address the dynamic challenges of law enforcement in the 21st century. It aims to equip our leaders with the knowledge, skills and insights necessary to navigate complex situations, foster collaboration and inspire teams to deliver exceptional service to the public," Shikongo said, adding that, in the ever-evolving landscape of policing, adaptability and continuous improvement are paramount.He further urged the station commanders to approach the coming weeks with an open mind and a commitment to personal growth."The journey towards effective leadership is a continuous one, marked by self-reflection, learning and a willingness to embrace change.“Our success as a police force hinges on the collective strength of our leadership and this serves as a testament to our dedication to excellence.”

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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