Reserve force to the rescue

The officer responsible for community policing in Erongo Region, Warrant Officer Ileni Shapumba, attributed the relatively quiet festive season to hard work and efforts of 29 members from the police reserve force. “They joined us from the Khomas and Oshikoto regions and were deployed in Swakopmund and Henties Bay. Their presence contributed to the success of our mission to ensure the safety and security of residents and holidaymakers throughout the festive season,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Tobias Gerber echoed the same sentiments and said reserve force members complemented local police officers with crime prevention efforts. They worked alongside police officers in three teams consisting of ten members each that worked three shifts.The festive season crime combating operation focused primarily on random body searches, foot and vehicle patrols, putting up mini roadblocks and rendering VIP protection duties. It resulted in the arrest of some suspects in Mondesa. One person was arrested and charged with malicious damage to state property after a police vehicle was hit with rocks on 9 December while three individuals were caught and charged with housebreaking. Fines to the value of N$11 750 were issued. Twelve fines for contravening the liquor act were issued, one for driving without a valid driver’s licence and one for permitting someone to drive a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. No injuries were sustained and no loss of government or personal properties occurred for the duration of the operation. Knives (49), screwdrivers (5), an axe, a panga, a blade, scissors (5), an ultra-high voltage prodder, a cricket bat, an axe handle, a toy gun, sharpened iron bars (4), dagga (5 pokes), instruments used to smoke drugs, a remote control, cellphones (12), cell phone batteries (11) and cellphone chargers (2) were confiscated. “The coast is renowned for the high number of assault-related incidents, robberies and murders which occurs at drinking spots. The large quantities of dangerous weapons we confiscated bears testimony to the violent nature of some of the residents,” said Shapumba. Crime statistics indicate 260 cases were reported in Erongo in December 2016. He also thanked strategic partners who assisted the police with sponsorships such as soft drinks, meals and accommodation for officers on duty at for example roadblocks during the December holidays. “Safety is an indispensable need for all. While the police are tasked with ensuring safety and security those who assist us in kind enable us to stay focused and to prevent crime. These type of operations will be an ongoing effort to complement crime prevention efforts at the coast,” he concluded. OTIS FINCK

Reserve force to the rescue

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-16

Please login to leave a comment

Reserve force to the rescue

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-10-16

Please login to leave a comment

Login