Police chief warns officers against negligence on duty

Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo met with Walvis Bay residents last week to address rising crime in Walvis Bay, strengthen cooperation between residents and the police, and find ways to improve community safety and trust in law enforcement. Shikongo urged residents to work hand in hand with the police to fight crime, saying public involvement is key to peace and order. “The police alone cannot win this fight. We need the community to report crime, share information and hold us accountable when we fall short,” he said during the community meeting. Shikongo reminded officers that their duty is to serve the people and that every report deserves attention, no matter how small. Referring to complaints from residents about officers who ignore calls for help or fail to respond to crime scenes, Shikongo said: “When a community member comes to you for help, you act. We must stop using excuses like ‘there is no vehicle.’ If we are trusted with the safety of the nation, then we must act with urgency and discipline.”He warned that officers found neglecting their duties by using mobile phones while on duty will face disciplinary action. “If I find you on your phone while people are calling for help, you will be dealt with,” Shikongo said.The head of police also cautioned residents against carrying weapons for self-defence.“I understand people carry pangas or knives for protection, but if you are found with a weapon at an entertainment area, we will confiscate it.”Crime concernsResidents raised concerns about high crime levels in the town, including cellphone snatching, break-ins, drug abuse, house burglaries, and violence among youth. Many said these issues continue to affect families and businesses in Walvis Bay.During the question-and-answer session, one resident said police should not dismiss certain cases as “too small”. “No crime is too small. Someone who slaps me today might stab me tomorrow,” the resident said.Meanwhile, Helaria Hauwanga, a Walvis Bay resident and grieving mother, told the police chief that officers have neglected their duties and failed to deliver justice in her son’s case. Hauwanga said she lost her son three years ago and that, despite numerous visits to the police station, no arrests have been made. “I have been going to the police for three years. Every time I ask about my son’s case, I am told they are still investigating. I just want answers and justice for my child,” she said.Her son reportedly died in 2022 after attending a friend’s birthday party. She said two post-mortems were conducted, both with different results, yet the case remains unresolved.Act nowIn response, Shikongo called for immediate action. He directed Erongo Regional Police Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona and Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu to take up the matter, locate the case docket, and provide him with a full report on the investigation. “This case has taken too long. I want answers, and I want progress," he said."We cannot allow families to lose trust in the police because of delays or missing dockets,” Shikongo stressed.

Police chief warns officers against negligence on duty

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-05

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Police chief warns officers against negligence on duty

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-05

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