By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEIK
President Hifikepunye Pohamba has strongly condemned the brutal killing of innocent women and children in the country.
Speaking at the 17th anniversary celebrations of the Namibian Police force yesterday in the capital, the President said the country has experienced incidents of horrific and heinous serial murders of defenceless women and children.
Although crime statistics indicate a manageable level, Pohamba believes the degree and intensity of brutality is worsening.
“Victims are being murdered, with their bodies dismembered and strewn all over or dumped in refuse drums. I condemn the barbaric crimes in my country. They should come to an end and the suspects should be brought to book,” said the President.
“All those who have information regarding the serial ‘killer or killers’, must come forward to the police so that these criminals are apprehended,” he said.
The President reminded the public that the police cannot work in isolation. He said in terms of their constitutional obligation to maintain law and order, the police need undivided commitment from the community to assist and cooperate in providing information and all-around support to successful investigations, detection, combating and apprehension of criminals.
“Criminals are, in fact, from our homes, therefore, with your full support and cooperation, the Namibian Police will be able to crackdown on all criminals wherever they are,” said Pohamba.
High profile cases such as armed robberies and fraud – involving millions of Namibian dollars and the Caprivi high treason case – currently underway in the High Court – have resulted in huge volumes of information gathered by the detectives and other police investigators.
Thus, the President urged police officers to be prepared to go the extra mile in whatever they do and ensure that they display the highest level of efficiency, timeliness, decency, honesty and loyalty to the people and the country.
“Police officers must be on duty 24 hours a day and must be the first port of call for anyone in distress. They must also be the first step on the ladder and the main cog in the wheel of justice to ensure that police development goals are met in conformity with vision 2030,” he said.
“I am aware that the police do not have sufficient resources. The Namibian tax base is limited. Therefore, whatever resources are available must be handled and utilised optimally. We must learn to do more with less,” he said.
The Head of State said the Government would continue to invest in human capital development of the Namibian Police to expand their services to the remotest areas of the country and upgrade staff knowledge and skills.
He said the Government is also implementing measures to improve the conditions of service for the Namibian Police force, especially those members who fall in the lowest categories and ranks.