Human rights 'the foundation' of policing - Shilelo

Oshana Regional Police Commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo says police must create an environment where Namibians live free from fear and crime, stressing that human rights are the foundation of professional policing.Speaking on Monday at the opening of a five-day capacity-building workshop for 50 police officers representing all 14 regions in Ondangwa, Shilelo said communities live in fear because they do not feel protected.He said communities are "not happy"."Imagine someone refusing to buy a smartphone because criminals might take their phone. We need to create an environment where our people are free and don't live in fear," the police commander said.The workshop, hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman, is taking place under the theme 'Upholding Human Rights and Ethical Policing in Namibia" and aims to equip officers with knowledge on human rights principles and ethical decision-making.Shilelo reminded officers that every person they encounter, whether victim, suspect or bystander, is entitled to fair, dignified and lawful treatment.He said arrests must always be lawful and non-violent and that detention conditions must respect basic human dignity.When necessary, the use of force must be proportional, justified and applied only as a last resort, he stressed."Human rights are not in conflict with effective policing; they are the foundation of professional and ethical policing. When we uphold human rights, we build community trust, strengthen public cooperation, and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done," Shilelo said.Trafficking of minorsThe commissioner also issued a stern warning to long-distance drivers transporting minors from the Angolan border to Windhoek and other towns without the necessary legal documentation.He revealed that he recently met with long-distance taxi drivers who promised to stop the illegal practice."Many drivers traffic people to the interior just because of the love of money. It is wrong and will affect their businesses in the long run. I am aware that many police officers are aware but they didn't do anything. I want this to come to an end," Shilelo said.Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha said the office is committed to capacitating officers to serve the public in accordance with human rights."This is one of the programmes where we expect officers to come out equipped and do the right thing for society," Dyakugha said.

Human rights 'the foundation' of policing - Shilelo

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-23

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Human rights 'the foundation' of policing - Shilelo

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-23

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