WINDHOEK – The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Sebastian Ndeitunga, has issued an instruction to police officers to treat victims of gender-based violence (GBV) with dignity.
In the wake of the recent string of barbaric incidents of violence against women and children Ndeitunga instructed the police to accord victims confidentiality, compassion and to cooperate so that the culprits can be arrested. “It is misconduct of the highest order for a police officer not to adhere to this directive,” he said. He said it is unacceptable for police officers to treat victims inappropriately and such individuals would not be tolerated in the force. Ndeitunga said if a victim of violence is mistreated at the charge office, they should seek other avenues such as complaining to the station commander, the regional commander or even going up to the level of the Inspector General’s (Ndeitunga) office. “I am ready to attend to such cases if forwarded to my office 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days,” he promised. He also noted that the majority of cases, such as rape and assault are handled with sensitivity and police officers who act contrary to this standing directive are doing so unofficially. “We would want to be informed of unfriendly uncompassionate (sic) police officers, so that we can intervene and salvage the situation,” he stressed. Ndeitunga said police officers are generally sensitized on gender violence, which is why most of the cases are referred to the women and child protection units where individuals can be assisted.
However, he said the police alone cannot alleviate the situation without the help of the public who sometimes worsen the issue when they turn a blind eye to victims’ circumstances. He said neighbours and relatives tend to keep quiet when they know a woman is being abused by their spouses or partners, while they could report that to community leaders, church leaders or even to the nearest police station. “The victims also tend to keep quiet thinking that if they report the case things would get worse,” he said, adding that some believe it is taboo to report a man for abuse based on cultural norms. Ndeitunga suggested that a law be passed so that the State takes over the case even when complainants try to withdraw cases.
According to him there are external forces, like the victim’s family or the suspect’s family, who pressure victims of gender-based violence to withdraw cases. “If you go to court saying that you are not interested in continuing with the case anymore, the case will collapse. Withdrawal should not be accepted,” he added.
The Inspector General said professional counselors should be engaged so that they can speak to victims and convince them not to withdraw cases. He urged members of the community to use the toll free 10111 telephone number for emergencies.
By Magreth Nunuhe