WALVIS BAY – Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, one of the most prominent police officers in the Erongo region, is officially hanging up his police boots after 15 years of dedicated service.

The soft-spoken, yet firm officer played a key role in fostering relations between the business community, residents and the police. He joined the Force in 2007, before he rose through the ranks.

Sharing his love to serve and protect, Shapumba said at a farewell dinner with his close friends and former colleagues that he joined the Force after a brief stint in the security industry which lasted just 18 days.

 “I realised early on that guarding gates wasn’t for me.  The last two days I was stationed at Novel Ford. Every time I got into the patrol vehicle, I’d scan the area to make sure nobody I knew saw me,” he jokingly narrated on Friday evening.

He also recalled how a woman would greet him daily with a cheerful “Good morning, security!” — a moment which sealed his decision to resign. 

But fate had a plan. Shortly after leaving the job, he was conned out of a cellphone he had bought with his security earnings, and that ordeal planted a deep desire in him to become part of the system which brings justice.

Shapumba officially joined the Namibian Police in September 2007. By April 2008, he had completed his basic police training at the Ondangwa Training Centre, and began his career at the Kuisebmond police station as a charge office assistant.

From there, he steadily rose through the ranks — promoted to warrant officer in 2015, representing Namibia in 2017 as part of a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, and returning in 2018. He was promoted to inspector in 2020, and eventually chief inspector in 2024.

On 30 April 2025, he stepped down from the Force — on his own terms.

“I didn’t leave because I’m stressed or broke. I’m leaving a happy man. Sometimes you must leave the stage while people are still clapping,” he said proudly.

“I want to thank the Namibian Police for the opportunity to serve, and the people of Erongo for allowing me to be part of their lives. To the Savva family, thank you for your wisdom — we’ve learned that we must work together.”

Shapumba’s dedication and ability to defuse tense situations earned him the respect of his colleagues and community. He was often the first on the scene and the last to leave, driven by a deep passion for people and public safety.

Police Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona said his departure is a great loss to the Force. “We didn’t want to let him go, but we understood that he served the Force well. He was not only passionate about his work, but connected with the community and security cluster. He will be missed,” the Commissioner stated.

Warrant Officer Anna Frans, who worked closely with Shapumba and later joined Interpol, said she blossomed under his leadership. “We gained experience because he led with compassion and clarity.”

Businessman John Savva said Shapumba indeed served his community well, and will continue to do so in his new job.

“We know he will bring the same energy and excellence to his new role. He is indeed a role model for many young people, exemplifying that hard work and dedication lead to success,” he added.