Lahja Nashuuta
Sergeant George Shilongo Shikwanyu is a shining example of dedication, integrity and community-driven leadership.
As the second-in-command administrative officer at the Maltahöhe police station, he views his role not just as a job, but also as a calling to protect and support the community he serves.
“I am a Sergeant First Class,” Shikwanyu said with pride. “At the Maltahöhe police station, I oversee the charge office, which is the heart of our first response operations, and manage the day-to-day administration, including the supervision of holding cells. Ensuring that everything runs smoothly is not just my duty; it’s my responsibility to the people we serve,” he said.
Shikwanyu’s journey into law-enforcement began with grassroots volunteerism. Before wearing the uniform, he was active in local neighbourhood watch programmes, driven by a deep desire to make his community safer. “Growing up in Katutura in Windhoek, I always dreamed of walking streets that felt secure. That dream is what pushed me into this profession. My purpose is rooted in the passion to create safe spaces for everyone,” he said says. In his pivotal role, Shikwanyu ensures that every person who enters the station is treated with dignity and respect.
“The charge office is the community’s first point of contact. I make sure every complaint is addressed professionally, fairly and in accordance with the law. I also oversee the upkeep of our administrative systems and cell management and ensure the station is resourced with everything from stationery to logistics,” he said.
But his responsibilities go beyond paperwork. “I take care of my team. Our officers are what I call ‘wounded healers’. They carry the burdens of others, while managing their own. Their welfare is essential to effective service delivery,” he said.
Service amid scarcity
While Shikwanyu is deeply committed to serving the public, he acknowledges that, like any profession, his role comes with its own challenges.
“Working with limited resources, insufficient vehicles, staffing shortages and evolving criminal threats can be frustrating,” he admits. “But what keeps me going is the positive feedback from those we have helped. Whether it’s a word of gratitude or a life transformed, those moments make it all worth it,” he note.
He added: “Our crime rate in the Maltahöhe policing area is relatively low. That’s not just by luck; it’s the result of consistent community engagement, teamwork and strong leadership.”
A central part of his impact stems from his work with Coalition on Reduction in Harmful Substance Use in Maltahöhe (CORHSUM), a community-driven initiative aimed at curbing substance abuse by the youth. “We focus on education, awareness and providing young people with alternatives that keep them away from crime and substance addiction,” Shikwanyu added.
Asked about the common perception that public servants are inefficient, he does not hesitate to say: “I strongly reject that stereotype. While no system is perfect, most public servants work tirelessly, often under immense pressure, to deliver services. Their contributions deserve recognition and respect.”
Vision
Like any positive dreamer, Shikwanyu said not even the sky is the limit, for it is greater beyond the sky than it is within its limit.
He is not content to rest on his laurels, as he envisions a future where he leads the police force as a general, shaping policies that make policing more responsive and effective.
“I want to influence policy, not just enforce it. I’m committed to advancing through the ranks, building my capacity through professional development, and continuing to initiate programmes that uplift my community,” he said. He also expressed hope to find more time for his family, and further strengthen the bond between the police and the people they serve.
“Discipline, respect and teamwork are the pillars of our work. That’s what we live by. When duty calls, we respond with integrity, resilience and heart,” he said.