Shikongo portraits still up amid confusion of his job status

Confusion continues to surround the status of Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo following a Presidency announcement earlier this month that appointed Major General Anne-Marie Nainda as acting inspector general of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), without explicitly stating whether Shikongo had been suspended, removed or placed on leave.

The uncertainty gained further traction this week as portraits of Shikongo remain displayed at police stations countrywide, implying that is still in the employ of the police force.

The issue gained public attention after NamPol spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi defended the continued display of Shikongo’s portrait during an interview with Namibian Sun last week.

Responding to questions about why the portrait remains on display despite widespread reports surrounding his status, Shikwambi said: “He is still our Inspector General and will be displayed until then.”

Her remarks have added to growing uncertainty created by the Presidency’s statement issued on 5 May announcing Nainda’s appointment.

In the statement, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Nainda would serve in an acting capacity for one year with immediate effect, “taking over from Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.”

The Presidency further stated that the appointment was made in terms of Article 32(4)(c)(bb) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint the inspector general of NamPol.

However, the announcement did not expressly indicate whether Shikongo had been suspended, dismissed, removed from office, or temporarily relieved of his duties.

The absence of clarity has led to differing interpretations in both official and media circles. Namibian Sun, which broke the news, reported that Shikongo was expected to face a 12-month suspension, citing highly-placed sources.

Elsewhere the media reported that Shikongo had been removed as police chief following the State House security breach. Subsequent reports referred to his suspension.

Despite the reports, NamPol appears to maintain that Shikongo remains inspector general, based on Shikwambi’s remarks.

To date, neither NamPol nor the Presidency has issued a follow-up statement clarifying Shikongo’s official employment status or whether portraits of police leadership at stations nationwide should be replaced following Nainda’s appointment as acting head of the force.