SWAKOPMUND – Cross-border crime, statelessness, border control and access to justice are some of the key issues to be addressed by the security cluster under the sixth National Development Plan.
This was highlighted by the deputy executive director of justice John Shimaneni, following a five-day workshop on the finalisation of the NDP6 chapter on peace, security and the rule of law.
“NDP6 will also prioritise capacity-building in law enforcement, integrating technology to combat organised crime and human trafficking, while improving access to justice,” he said.
The security cluster, under the peace, security and rule of law pillar, aims to enhance national security, law-enforcement and access to justice. It covers sectors such as immigration, correctional service and the judiciary.
NDP6 will focus on immigration and refugee management, controlling cross-border movements with Angola, and addressing statelessness through new legislation. Correctional services will shift towards offender rehabilitation for reintegration into society.
Security reform, legal cost reduction and addressing cross-border challenges are among the key priorities.
Shimaneni highlighted the need to manage rising legal costs ,after one of the key challenges identified in NDP5 was the high cost of legal representation.
“NDP6 will introduce measures such as pro bono work to improve access to justice for those in need,” he said, adding that amendments to the Legal Aid Act are in the final stages, and will enhance pro bono legal assistance.
He noted that progress has been made in reducing case backlogs with the introduction of a case management system.
“We now have clear case outlines, making it easier to track progress,” he stated.
A significant focus of NDP6 will be the reform of correctional services.
“We aim to move away from a purely punitive prison system,towards one that reintegrates inmates as productive citizens,” Shimaneni said while acknowledging that budget constraints remain a challenge.
He noted that Namibia and Angola have enjoyed friendly relations, but the uncontrolled movement of goods and people has created security challenges. Hence, more gazetted border posts are needed to regulate the movement of people and goods.
Statelessness will also be tackled through new legislation, as regulating stateless and undocumented individuals remains a challenge.
Shimaneni a pointed out that modernising Namibia’s security apparatus is crucial, as criminals are using high-tech methods. Therefore, he said, NDP6 will focus on capacity-building through innovations and technology.
He also called for system integration among law-enforcement agencies for better coordination.
“Improving access to justice, especially for those in remote areas, will be another cornerstone of NDP6. We aim to bring services closer to the people, establishing centres across the country. Public participation in the legal process will be enhanced, as people often don’t understand the law, which creates barriers. NDP6 will focus on increasing public engagement so that citizens are more informed and involved,” he said.