Shifeta condemns crooked cops

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has condemned incidences where police officers are bribing Namibian tourists saying it is a disgrace to the image of the country.
In a statement issued by the tourism minister, Pohamba Shifeta, he referred to a recent case where two Australian tourists were caught speeding on the B1 from Etosha National Park.
The tourists reported a case about an officer who stopped them outside Tsumeb, and asked for a bribe to avoid a N$1 500 spot fine.
Shifeta said the ministry is very interested in the case and they are confident that the investigation launched by the inspector-general of the Namibian police will inform the public on what exactly transpired.
“If found to be true, such behaviour is a disgrace and is destructive to the image of Namibia which is considered among the top ten tourist destinations in the world.” According to Shifeta the ministry is working closely with the police to ensure that the investigation in this particular case is concluded adding that it is important that the safety of the country’s tourists is upheld while in Namibia.
Police Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi also recently assured the public that any officers making themselves guilty of such practices would be dealt with.
He also warned motorists not to pay spot fines and insist that they pay at the police station or magistrate’s court.
Those who attempt to bribe police, he added, also make themselves guilty of a criminal offence.
He further warned the public about certain individuals impersonating public office bearers such as ministers, police commanders and investigating officers, and threatening members of the public with arrest and then demanding money. The ministry advised tourists that in the event of similar incidents, they should immediately go to the nearest police station or call the following toll free number: 10111.

STAFF REPORTER