KONGOLA – Frustrated members of the Kongola community have voiced concerns over the escalating crime, particularly stock theft, allegedly by people crossing from neighbouring Zambia.
The locals questioned the apparent absence of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) patrols along the border, demanding a stronger military presence to protect local resources.
This was raised during civil-military cooperation campaign by the NDF in the Zambezi region
“There’s crime happening, and while we see the police, we don’t see the defence force. Why aren’t they patrolling the border to stop our cattle from being stolen and driven into Zambia?” a concerned resident asked.
The resident alleged that cattle rustling was a recurring problem largely involving cross-border thieves from Zambia.
Addressing the concerns, Lieutenant Colonel Justin Mujiwa of the NDF explained the legal and operational boundaries between the defence force and the Namibian Police.
“Internal security is the responsibility of the Namibian Police. The military only intervenes when the police request support through proper channels and only when there is an external threat to national security,” he stated.
“We operate under civil powers — meaning we act in support of the police and other law enforcement agencies, not independently.”
The community also expressed concern over the extended operating hours of the border post as they feared the 24-hour border operations could aid criminals. “It allows perpetrators to move freely and sabotage our development,” one resident said. In response, Zambezi police spokesperson Kisco Sitali emphasised the economic rationale behind the extended border hours.
“This move was initiated following requests from you the community and from businesses and international travellers. Some of our neighbouring countries are landlocked and depend on Namibia’s ports. Extending border hours supports trade and economic flow,” Sitali said.
Despite reassurances, Kongola residents remain uneasy, calling for closer collaboration between police and the military to protect their livelihoods. The meeting highlighted the tension between national security policy and local realities, with community members hoping for more direct interventions to address growing cross-border threats.