By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
Despite numerous challenges facing the Namibian Police, the force is on record as having chalked up successes in combating crime in the country.
In this regard, President Hifikepunye Pohamba applauded the police for their commitment and dedication to uphold law and order.
He was speaking at the17th Anniversary of Police Day. The President told the officers not to lose sight of the fact that their achievements have not been recorded without sacrifices.
He said Namibians should take into consideration that some members of the police force have paid the highest price, sacrificing their precious lives in pursuit of the maintenance of law and order and the preservation of the internal security of the country.
The success achieved and victories scored by the Namibian police should not just be part of its history, said the Head of State, adding that such success must serve as a guide and motivating factor for serving members to strive for excellence at all times.
“Similarly, the sacrifices made by those officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty must serve as a catalyst for serving members to combat criminal activities in all their manifestation,” said the President.
Meanwhile, members who performed their duties with dedication and commitment were awarded national medals by the Head of State.
This recognition is intended to motivate and inspire members of the police to rededicate themselves to their duties and to renew their commitment to hard work and accountability for the safety and security of all Namibians.
A minute of silence in memory of those members who lost their lives in the line of duty was also observed.
“Let us not forget those who lost their lives in the line of duty for the protection of lives and properties of our citizens and the preservation of peace and internal security of our country,” said the President.
The Namibian Police Force was established on November 26,1990, when the founding President Sam Nujoma signed the Police Act into law.
At the time, the police force consisted of about 2 000 officers. Today, it is a formidable force consisting of over 10 000 officers in uniform and about 575 civilian employees.
“In spite of constraints, I am proud to state that we have developed a strong, effective and professional institution dedicated to the promotion of liberty, justice and security for all Namibians,” said Pohamba.
The President urged the police to increase and expand its regular units and specialised components in accordance with increased demand from the public.
“This is why today the Government has established a number of police stations, sub-stations and satellite police stations throughout the country,” he said.
Due to the horrific consequences of terrorism around the world and the need to equip law enforcement officers to efficiently and affectively assess and handle terrorism threats and attacks, an anti-terrorism unit and an emergency response unit were also established.
“I therefore wish to thank the French Government and its people for the financial, technical and material assistance rendered to our Government and for training our police force to combat terrorism,” said the president.
The establishment of these units is aimed at responding to various policing needs at regional and local levels and to enhance a good and closer relationship between the Namibian police force and the public at large.
The Namibian police force has also acquired international membership with the ICPO-Interpol and Southern Africa Regional Police Chiefs Organisation (SARPCCO).
This development enables Nampol to co-operate with other similar organisations in the sub-region and the rest of the world in the fight against all types of criminal activities.
As a result, the Namibian police have participated and continue to participate in joint operations aimed at combating cross-border crimes, together with the police forces of neighbouring countries.
Nampol has also participated in peacekeeping operations of the United Nations Organisation in countries such as East Timor, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Haiti, Liberia and Somalia.
Marking the day with the Namibian police were the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service and Chairperson of the SARPCCP, Ephraim Mateyo, and the Commissioner-General of the Angolan National Police Force, General Ambrosio De Lemos Freire Dos Santos.
The police day was marked by a parade, dog display, drill display and a fun day.