WINDHOEK
Seventeen-year-old Maria Muhepa attended the 2015 International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Conference in Buenos Aires in Argentina on September 22-24 September.
She was invited by INTERPOL following her impressive speech in February during the launch of “Turn Back Crime” in Oshakati encouraging both fellow young people and parents to help against all modern day crimes such as drug abuse, GBV and theft. She proudly stood before the President and implored all youth in the Oshana region and beyond to be on the frontline by assisting the police with relevant information that will drive out the crimes threatening to society. Due to the eloquence and the collective manner in which she delivered the speech in front of an audience of about 5000, people including the His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. INTERPOL thus extended her an invitation to attend the 2015 International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Conference.
In Argentina in the presence of about 600 senior law enforcement officials, security and industry experts, customs, regulatory agencies from more than 70 countries, Muhepa made a presentation as a young presenter among 20 specialized presenters. She made a speech during the opening of the Conference giving a overview of the perspective of Namibia in the fight against the selling of counterfeit goods and fake products. With her presentation she also made the world to see that Namibia is no longer an escape goat to criminals and that Namibia is supporting the fight against counterfeit goods.
The participation of the Namibian Police Force in this conference was unique considering the fact that a young presenter category was represented by Maria from Namibia. This category identifies young presenters from INTERPOL member countries who contributes and participate in programs and project aimed to fight against transnational organized crime.