There are no 'untouchables'
The so-called state capture commission of inquiry in South Africa, chaired by that country's deputy chief justice, Raymond Zondo, is exposing financial treason committed by one family, their political enablers, including a head of state and his ministers, and sycophantic parastatal and government department heads.
Even more disturbing is evidence that the country's elite crime-fighting unit, the Hawks, was knee-deep entwined in actively drawing up false declarations and statements for whistleblowers to sign, who had gone public with graft allegations involving the country's then president, Jacob Zuma.
This goes to the heart of public trust in the rule of law, in the sense that - in the words of George Orwell - some animals are more equal than others.
In the Namibian context, as we grapple with unfolding horror crimes, as well as state corruption and other economic offences against our people, it has become even more critical that law enforcement is not only perceived as impartial, but acts without fear or favour.
The breakdown of societies not only happen when they are confronted by critical issues like land redistribution; the breakdown of law and order and public trust in law-enforcement is a massive catalyst when it comes to a nation withering and degrading.
Over many years, alarm bells have been raised about the effectiveness and will of the Anti-Corruption Commission, when it comes to investigating and charging so-called bigwigs in our country.
This dangerous perception that there are 'untouchables' among us has not been dealt with effectively by the powers that be.
As politically connected individuals continue to escape with their loot, after brazen heists of state money, confidence in our law enforcement and justice system continues to wane.
The irony is that this eventually leads to tribalist and other debates, where instead of individuals, the tribes they belong to become the black sheep, so to speak.
It is not necessary for us to go the route of South Africa… we need to address the sagging confidence most citizens have in our law enforcement entities.
Even more disturbing is evidence that the country's elite crime-fighting unit, the Hawks, was knee-deep entwined in actively drawing up false declarations and statements for whistleblowers to sign, who had gone public with graft allegations involving the country's then president, Jacob Zuma.
This goes to the heart of public trust in the rule of law, in the sense that - in the words of George Orwell - some animals are more equal than others.
In the Namibian context, as we grapple with unfolding horror crimes, as well as state corruption and other economic offences against our people, it has become even more critical that law enforcement is not only perceived as impartial, but acts without fear or favour.
The breakdown of societies not only happen when they are confronted by critical issues like land redistribution; the breakdown of law and order and public trust in law-enforcement is a massive catalyst when it comes to a nation withering and degrading.
Over many years, alarm bells have been raised about the effectiveness and will of the Anti-Corruption Commission, when it comes to investigating and charging so-called bigwigs in our country.
This dangerous perception that there are 'untouchables' among us has not been dealt with effectively by the powers that be.
As politically connected individuals continue to escape with their loot, after brazen heists of state money, confidence in our law enforcement and justice system continues to wane.
The irony is that this eventually leads to tribalist and other debates, where instead of individuals, the tribes they belong to become the black sheep, so to speak.
It is not necessary for us to go the route of South Africa… we need to address the sagging confidence most citizens have in our law enforcement entities.
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Namibian Sun
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