Cops swim into tombo trouble

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKPolice officers implicated in a video indicating a human rights violation have been identified and action is being taken against them.This is according to police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga, who condemned the incident depicted on the video clip circulated on social media last week. It shows police officers, speaking Oshiwambo, ordering a young man to roll in spilled homebrew (tombo), while one of them was heard hurling insults at him.“The video in question represents extreme ill-treatment, little or no respect for human dignity or rights,” Ndeitunga said. Extremely unprofessionalHe said the incident occurred at Eheke village near Ondangwa in the Oshana Region.“It is disheartening to note that, while some of our members are doing a great job in fulfilling the mandate of the Namibian Police Force, there are others who are doing a disservice to our calling through their actions, by abusing and or violating human rights.” Ndeitunga said the actions were extremely unprofessional.“Therefore, I condemn the actions of the members depicted in the video in the strongest terms possible. The actions and conduct of the members were uncalled for and cannot be condoned.” Violating lockdownNdeitunga said the fact that some people are defying lockdown regulations is no justification for police brutality. “I should remind all the members involved in the operation that such violent acts are against the law and our standard operating procedures.” Ndeitunga said law-enforcement officers are trained and encouraged during briefings to show respect and courtesy in dealing with the public.“I therefore, once more, would like to impress upon all the officers of the law involved in the operation always to be patient and professional in their conduct, so as to positively contribute to a successful fight against the coronavirus pandemic.” Police mandateHe further said that the job of the police during the state of emergency is to educate the public to stay at home, avoid public gatherings, practise hygiene and apply social distancing.If police officers face members of the public who are uncooperative or defy the regulations, they should only issue the applicable fine. “I wish to reassure the nation that the law enforcers' mission is to ensure the maintenance of law and order, for the safety and security of our citizens. We can only fight the coronavirus pandemic effectively if we work together,” the police chief said.

Cops swim into tombo trouble

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Cops swim into tombo trouble

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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