RUNDU – Former Kavango East police commander Johanna Ngondo last Friday handed over the instruments of authority to her successor, Andreas Haingura. Haingura was previously the regional commander for the Omaheke region.
After receiving the instruments of power, he promised to work with stakeholders to end crime in the region.
Ngondo was transferred to the police headquarters in Windhoek, where she will be stationed in inspector general Joseph Shikongo’s office.
“As I assume the responsibility as the new regional police commander, I accept with respect and humility the responsibilities entrusted upon me, by the IG [Shikongo] to lead the police in Kavango East region. As I step into this role, I am aware of the challenges ahead and the responsibly placed on my shoulders,’’ Haingura said.
The new commander pledged to ensure that policing in the region is conducted in a vibrant and collaborating way.
“I stand to ensure that there will be boots on the ground in all corners of the region by engaging in crime prevention, and problem solving in this region. My vision for policing will be aligned with the vision of the IG as contained in the Namibian Police strategic plan,” he said.
He added: “We will endeavor to consistently and regularly undertake information-sharing and consultative meetings in a way to scale the community’s views and sentiments on conditions or circumstances that perpetuate the occurrence of crime, and how to overcome them.”
The new commander furthermore indicated that the police under his leadership will appeal for the public’s continued support in their quest to fulfill their mandate, which is maintaining law and order.
“It is important that police and the community work together and fight against crime. Police are not always everywhere but the community is. If we team up, together we can eliminate crime in this region,” he noted.
Ngondo, while handing over, narrated her achievements during her 10-year reign.
She said the crime rate was manageable and under control, adding that despite the slight increase over the years, there were notable reductions in gender-based violence, fraud, theft and road accidents.