Oshakati
Crime in the Oshana Region has gone down in the period between April and June this year, with 267 less cases reported, compared to the same period last year when 1,827 cases were reported.
Yet, there is evidence that police officers in the region are colluding with criminals, it emerged this week.
Speaking at a meeting with the Minister of Safety and Security Major General Charles Namoloh, as well as the Deputy Minister Daniel Kashikola, the Oshana Regional Commander Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa reported that there has been a drastic reduction in crime in the region.
He said the level of crime has become more manageable, with the Oshana Region recording only minor and preventable cases, such as theft, assault, domestic violence and housebreaking.
“Crimes of serious nature, such as armed robbery, murder, just to mention a few, have significantly decreased, and as a result the police in Oshana are only experiencing petty or minor cases,” Kashihakumwa said.
Although there has been a notable reduction in crime in the area, the Oshana regional commander noted his concern that the region still faces a shortage of holding cells to accommodate inmates awaiting trial.
The region currently has 395 suspects at various holding cells in the region.
However, the total capacity of holding cells stands at only 349.
Kashihakumwa said males continue to top the number in the holding cells with 382, including juveniles and foreigners, of which the majority are Angolans, while only 16 females are held at holding cells in the region.
While noting the achievements in the region, the regional commander, said there is still a serious challenge with regard to effective prosecution, as well as the capacity of investigation units.
“On the prosecution side, there are some prosecutors, who are not serious about their work, while in the police, there are some members in the crime investigation unit who are involved in criminality, such as bribery and armed robberies,” Kashihakumwa stated.
Kashihakumwa was referring in particular to a recent case wherein a police constable was suspended for collaborating with criminals to conduct illegal activities.
Kashihakumwa also made reference to a case in which a young prosecutor mistakenly granted a poaching suspect bail of N$1,000 in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court. A magistrate at Okahao had issued a warrant of arrest for the suspect, but the relevant information was not included in the docket when evidence was presented before court.
The Deputy Inspector General of Administration, Major General, Desderius Shilunga, Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service, Raphael Hamunyela, as well as the top management of the Oshana regional police attended the briefing.