Police tackle chronic overcrowding in holding cells
The Namibian Police has acknowledged that many, if not all, police holding cells across the country are chronically overcrowded.
“[The] Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has also repeatedly expressed public concern about the extent of overcrowding in police cells nationwide,” police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said last Friday.
The statement follows recently released statistics on suspects in police detention across the country, compiled after a series of parliamentary visits earlier this year.
The police presented data for January and February to the parliamentarians, showing that the Gobabis police cells held 224 suspects, despite having a capacity of just 60.
The situation in Katima Mulilo was even more severe, with 262 suspects crammed into cells designed for 60. Overall, nearly 3 000 suspects, including foreign nationals, were in police detention during this period, far exceeding the combined capacity of 1 358 in the towns reviewed.
“The figures fluctuate regularly as arrests are made, bail is posted and court outcomes are finalised. Therefore, these [figures provided] may not fully reflect the current situation,” Shikwambi explained.
“Since the parliamentary visits, we have implemented several measures to address the issue," she added.
Finding solutions a priority
A joint intervention involving the safety and security ministry, the attorney general's office and the judiciary is expected to find a sustainable, mutually agreed solution.
Interventions should include speeding up the finalisation of court cases to help reduce the number of individuals in holding cells, Shikwambi said.
“Overcrowding in police holding cells across the country remains a serious national concern, with limited space placing pressure on both detainees and police resources," she stressed.
“Managing trial-awaiting detainees in overcrowded cells is extremely challenging," she noted further.
“However, our officers continue to do their best, prioritising the provision of meals as prescribed, ensuring court attendance, access to medical treatment and facilitating daily clinic or hospital visits for those requiring care or chronic medication,” Shikwambi assured.
Safety is key
She added that “guidelines have been implemented to ensure that prisoners are treated humanely” and that “each holding cell is equipped with ablution facilities for use by detainees.”
She acknowledged that juveniles are sometimes held with adults, although she confirmed that "in most [police] stations, juveniles are not held with adults. Separate arrangements are made to ensure their safety.”
Moreover, in some cases where a station’s cells are severely overcrowded, some detainees are transferred to other holding cells to temporarily relieve the congestion in specific cells.
“As mentioned, guidelines have been implemented to prevent different categories of detainees (e.g., juveniles and adults) from being held together, but situations vary,” she added.
Plans for new police stations include expanding the capacity of holding cells, but Shikwambi underlined that “the expansion of existing holding cells is not considered a sustainable solution. The long-term solution lies in effective crime prevention and community partnership."
“[The] Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has also repeatedly expressed public concern about the extent of overcrowding in police cells nationwide,” police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said last Friday.
The statement follows recently released statistics on suspects in police detention across the country, compiled after a series of parliamentary visits earlier this year.
The police presented data for January and February to the parliamentarians, showing that the Gobabis police cells held 224 suspects, despite having a capacity of just 60.
The situation in Katima Mulilo was even more severe, with 262 suspects crammed into cells designed for 60. Overall, nearly 3 000 suspects, including foreign nationals, were in police detention during this period, far exceeding the combined capacity of 1 358 in the towns reviewed.
“The figures fluctuate regularly as arrests are made, bail is posted and court outcomes are finalised. Therefore, these [figures provided] may not fully reflect the current situation,” Shikwambi explained.
“Since the parliamentary visits, we have implemented several measures to address the issue," she added.
Finding solutions a priority
A joint intervention involving the safety and security ministry, the attorney general's office and the judiciary is expected to find a sustainable, mutually agreed solution.
Interventions should include speeding up the finalisation of court cases to help reduce the number of individuals in holding cells, Shikwambi said.
“Overcrowding in police holding cells across the country remains a serious national concern, with limited space placing pressure on both detainees and police resources," she stressed.
“Managing trial-awaiting detainees in overcrowded cells is extremely challenging," she noted further.
“However, our officers continue to do their best, prioritising the provision of meals as prescribed, ensuring court attendance, access to medical treatment and facilitating daily clinic or hospital visits for those requiring care or chronic medication,” Shikwambi assured.
Safety is key
She added that “guidelines have been implemented to ensure that prisoners are treated humanely” and that “each holding cell is equipped with ablution facilities for use by detainees.”
She acknowledged that juveniles are sometimes held with adults, although she confirmed that "in most [police] stations, juveniles are not held with adults. Separate arrangements are made to ensure their safety.”
Moreover, in some cases where a station’s cells are severely overcrowded, some detainees are transferred to other holding cells to temporarily relieve the congestion in specific cells.
“As mentioned, guidelines have been implemented to prevent different categories of detainees (e.g., juveniles and adults) from being held together, but situations vary,” she added.
Plans for new police stations include expanding the capacity of holding cells, but Shikwambi underlined that “the expansion of existing holding cells is not considered a sustainable solution. The long-term solution lies in effective crime prevention and community partnership."
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