NCAMAGORO – Safety and security minister Albert Kawana officially inaugurated a police station at Ncamagoro village in Kavango West.

The construction of the prefabricated facility started in February 2023 and was completed in June 2024. It was constructed at a cost of N$15.6 million.  

Kawana said, the government is committed to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of where they reside, have access to essential services.

“The opening of the Ncamagoro police post is a testament to that commitment. It is our belief that no community should be left behind, and that all Namibians deserve the right to live in peace and security, while at the same time having access to high-quality public services,’’ he said.

He added that this post is not just a building, but rather a symbol of the government’s unwavering dedication to the safety and security of all citizens. 

Kawana said the Ncamagoro area, like many rural areas across the country, faces unique challenges. The geographical remoteness of the region has, for too long, made it difficult for the people to access services, including those provided by the Namibian Police, and this has unfortunately led to an environment where criminal activities thrived.

The structure consists of a charge office, an office block with three offices, barracks for males and females, two two-bedroom houses, a recreational area and a septic tank.  It is equipped with a borehole. The facility also has a brand-new Toyota Hilux single cab.

“Infrastructure of this nature are a true reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the working environment of civil servants and bringing policing services closer to the people,’’ said the minister. Meanwhile, Hompa Alfons Kaundu of the Mbunza Traditional Authority in Kavango West implored his subjects to report illegal activities to the newly inaugurated police station at Ncamagoro village.

“I want the police officers stationed here to work. I will take the [police] general’s number [to call him]. If you are not doing your job, I will call him straight and report you. Don’t just come here to get married-no. If you face challenges, call me; I will assist you. I used to be a soldier, and I want to root out crime in this area,” he said.

Kaundu said Ncamagoro village is one of the high crime areas, with livestock theft and gender-based violence cases topping the list. He revealed that many cases of assault taking place in villages are never reported. He further claimed that criminals in Ncamagoro also get away with crimes of housebreaking and throwing objects at moving vehicles along the highway, amongst other crimes.

“Ncamagoro inhabitants and surrounding villages, you should all collaborate with the police to make policing easy… [and criminals] must repent now because if you don’t, that van will get you if you break the law,” he noted.

Kaundu then warned community members against walking too close to the road, which has caused many people to lose their lives. He was optimistic that this would change with the establishment of the new police station. Furthermore, the traditional leader implored the community to report shebeen and cuca shops that operate beyond their official closing time as set by law, and warned the community against housing criminals. -jmuyamba@nepc.com.na