2016-03-09Staff Report 2 Ongwediva The proverbial noose continued to tighten on criminal elements in Ongwediva when Oshana Regional Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa launched Operation Omake on Monday. The nationwide campaign, which is the initiative of President Hage Geingob, was launched on November 02, 2015 for all regions to coordinate with all stakeholders in crime prevention. Kashuupulwa noted the operation is aimed at cleaning and flattening riverbeds in urban and rural areas as they are identified as criminals’ hideouts. According to Kashuupulwa, Operation Omake is not only the duty of the Namibian Police, but all stakeholders should take part, as requested by the head of state. “We cannot go forward with the region’s development if the crime rate is high. We need to ensure that crime in towns and villages are eradicated,” said Kashuupulwa. The operation consists of the police, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, the Ministry of Justice, Correctional Services, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development and farmers’ unions, among others. Kashuupulwa noted that riverbeds are prone to criminal activities as criminals have turned them into their hideouts and places to commit crime. The governor added that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry should provide tools for the operation to be a success. Police Regional Commander for Oshana, Commissioner Rauha Amwele, said the operation is for all 14 regions and it should also enhance road safety and promote the public’s participation in crime prevention. Amwele encouraged regular police patrols, random searches of individuals found in suspicious situations and to ensure that streets are properly illuminated at night. She further noted Operation Omake requires the monitoring of the entire region with cameras, but unfortunately unlike others regions Oshana does not have CCTV cameras. 2016-03-09Staff Report 2
