Victoria Kaapanda
ONGWEDIVA – Police commanders in the central northern regions have joined forces and stepped up the frequency of their patrols during the festive season. Regional commanders maintain that they intend to work closely with residents in order to prevent crime. Oshana police commander, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria, said the police in Oshana would be on patrol 24 hours a day.
“We will be working together with our counterparts because we cannot work in isolation. We are here to complement them, we are ready to assist them,” he said. Furthermore, he noted the force in the north have a very good working relationship.
Sakaria advised home owners when going away on holiday to ask trusted neighbours, a relative or close friends to carry out daily checks on their residences. Alternatively, they should have a trusted able-bodied person to occupy the premises during the time they are away.
“Also inform our duty officers that you will be away, give them the address of your residence for the officers to patrol around that street,” said Sakaria.
The police this year will mainly focus on housebreaking, drivers and shebeens that contravene laws. “The police will be targeting housebreaking because many people leave their houses unattended during the holiday period,” he stressed.
Omusati commissioner Moses Simaho promised, the force in Omusati would be on high alert throughout the region during the festive season in an effort to clamp down on the usual upsurge in criminal activities.
“It is our responsibility to make sure people enjoy peace and safety during the festive season, and we will be mobilising our members to be on high alert,” Simaho announced.
Oshikoto commissioner Teopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku said people can expect to see more bicycles and vehicle patrols as well as more consultations between the police and members of the public.
She said they are ready to fight crime through more proactive community policing this festive season, despite escalating crime in the country. “I am calling upon members of the public to fight crime tooth and nail because together we can make it,” Nashikaku requested.
She again emphasised that the country can only tackle crime effectively if the public assists the police by reporting any criminal incidents. Nashikaku further said for the police force to fulfil their mandate, they need to build a network of reliable partners in society.
The police in Ohangwena region called upon the public to continue to cooperate with the security force at all levels by providing information on crime, or tip-offs, that could help in rooting out crime.
The police said they shall strive to prevent crime from taking place by enlisting the assistance of their partners.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na