ONGWEDIVA – In the last financial year, over 700 cases were opened against 154 police officers.
In the 2022/23 financial year, The Namibian Police recorded 154 officers who were arrested for committing various crimes, of which 146 are male and eight are female.
According to Namibian Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi, during the period under review, 152 were released on bail and investigations are ongoing while two are in custody.
Shikwambi stressed that 722 cases were registered, with the most prevalent cases being: reckless and negligent driving, followed by common assault, assault GBH, theft and assault through threatening.
These cases are still under investigation.
“It must therefore be understood that from the opened cases against the officers, some are genuine hence there are officers detained and charged. On the other hand, some cases are fabricated cases, hence nolle prosequi and because of lack of evidence,” she said.
Shikwambi said despite the cases against the officers, generally, officers are encouraged to refrain from actions that may bring them into disrepute or criminal and departmental cases. Thus, as officers, we ought to act professionally in all spheres, she said.
“I must also indicate that though not necessarily from the 2022/2023 reported cases, nine officers were discharged during the period under review, after the finalisation of the court cases,” she indicated.
In addition, she said the force does not condone unprofessional and unbecoming behaviour, thus all cases reported are investigated by the internal investigation directorate, and if needed, the involvement of other stakeholders so as to ensure that there is fairness, transparency and that offenders face the wrath of the law.
Last month, Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security minister Albert Kawana said it is police officers’ duty to apprehend criminals, not to be criminals.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Tutaleni police station at Walvis Bay in the Erongo region.
“It is unacceptable to hear a police officer committing crimes. This must come to an end,” he added. – fhamalwa@nepc.com.na