Magreth Nunuhe
There you have it. The reason why we were being panel-beaten and kicked to a pulp by these omshashos, ncinas, botsotsos, tsotsi and skevenguas was because of the moola. We were not getting enough protection in this beautiful city of ours because the money we were paying in contribution to the City Police’s existence was just not enough.
Cry me a beloved Windhoek.
But I honestly don’t mind paying the N$50 per month as suggested if only I could have a dedicated gatas as a lifeline buddy – you know those ones you can call at any time. Even late at night when your lovey-dovey turns into a monster after a night of heavy chwala, where he suddenly remembers that you once kissed a frog when you temporarily broke up, you are sure help would be right on the way.
It would be nice to know that I wouldn’t have to worry about my place being broken into while I am peacefully sleeping and don’t have to worry about an intruder staring me in the face with an okapi knife or gun to my head, demanding that I give him all my worldly belongings.
I also would be too eager to pay for this safety service if I could wake up at five o’clock in the morning and jog from Wanaheda through Golgota, Dolam to Wambo 10 and then turn back through Gemeente, pass Malaka Draai, OD and through Soweto without as much as a scratch or a run-in with frightening wild eyes waiting to devour me like prey.
And I would also want to be very sure that when I arrive at the police station to open a case of crimen injuria against a former BFF (best female friend) who decided to drag my name through the mud for unknown reasons, but which I could only suspect was out of revenge for telling her that those hot pants she wanted to wear to that other wedding was just a no-no, that I would get good assistance.
Lastly, I would give my nyuku to City Police any time for that service if I could walk into a police station, with my heavy heart, to report that a skollie swindled me out of my hard-earned money for falling for his tricks when he convinced me that he is a real estate agent who wanted an upfront deposit for a house in Ludwigsdorf that was going for a mere N$500 000.
I don’t want to be laughed at and be treated like I am some mampara who should have known better and not fallen for predators who came in sheepskin.
Yoh, yoh, I am telling you, the police can rest assured that they would not get a break if they were to introduce such a service fee. It would mean that they would have to investigate all those cases that they previously used to put under lock and key, such as tracing cellphones that have been snatched or stolen, investigating car break-ins even if you don’t have a suspect in mind or common assault by strangers.
What I would like to know is how City Police would improve its operations. Would they deploy more police officers? Would they become more empathetic to our needs? Would they respond quicker to our complaints – like having a 911 emergency service line? Would they purchase more vehicles? Would they become more visible at entertainment spots or patrol the streets often?
Mind you, we appreciate the city’s resolve and efforts to make sure we can walk free and go to sleep with peace of mind. But we are yet to be convinced that this fee would actually improve safety for residents who already feel they are overtaxed, unless we see real problems receiving real action.
Sorry Ngo!
mnunuhe@newera.com.na