Police refute claims of food shortages at Otjomuise holding cells

The Namibian Police have denied allegations that trial-awaiting inmates at Otjomuise Police Station have not received food for several weeks as alleged by social justice activist Michael Amushelelo earlier this week.Amushelelo wrote on social media that he was contacted by several family members and told that “for three weeks accused persons have not been receiving food. Family members must take food to their loved ones daily.”Police spokeswoman Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi described the allegations as false.“Trial-awaiting inmates across all our holding cells continue to receive meals as prescribed, three times per day,” she said.Shikwambi acknowledged that “sometimes there may be challenges regarding the sufficiency of meals or delays in delivery from suppliers”, but underlined that in such instances “arrangements are always made to ensure that all trial-awaiting inmates are provided with food”. She added that families are also permitted to bring food to their relatives during visiting hours.“At Otjomuise, for example, families are permitted to bring food on Wednesdays and Sundays.”Shikwambi said families are not barred from providing support to relatives in custody.She also reminded family members that food brought into detention cells is subject to inspection to prevent the smuggling of prohibited or illegal items.Verify and report The police spokesperson called on Amushelelo and others to “desist from attempts to tarnish the image of the Namibian Police Force through unfounded allegations or misinformation that may create unnecessary public mistrust".She said any serious concerns observed by families or members of the public must be formally reported to the station commander, regional commander, the Office of the Inspector-General, or to her in her capacity as head of police public relations.“The intention should always be to assist the public constructively. It is therefore advisable to first verify information with the relevant authorities before rushing to publish unconfirmed or false allegations on social media," Shikwambi said.

Police refute claims of food shortages at Otjomuise holding cells

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-21

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Police refute claims of food shortages at Otjomuise holding cells

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-21

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