2008-03-12Staff Report 2 "By Anna Ingwafa OSHAKATI The Inspector General of the Namibian Police Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga has congratulated the Oshana police for a job well done in combating crime, handling political skirmishes and the assistance they have rendered to flood victims. As a result of concerted police action, the Oshana Region has recorded a significant decline in crime compared to the previous year. Ndeitumga briefed journalists in Oshakati over the weekend. He gave credit to the Oshana police for the way they handled political rallies that took place more especially at Omuthiya. Ndeitunga called on people to express their political differences in a mature way and not through violence. He urged people not to carry weapons when they attend political rallies, a call he also directed to politicians to tell their supporters not to be provocative to others. He called on members of the public not to consume alcohol when going to political rallies. All political parties have received letters from his office explaining the code of conduct, especially on avoiding political meetings at the same time and place. Ndeitunga communicated the message through all parties' secretary generals and their presidents. This followed a Swapo and Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) meeting at Omuthiya on the same day a month ago. The two parties held their rallies to launch their campaigns for local authority elections for Omuthiya Town Council. Ndeitunga asked politicians, traditional leaders and the media to become advocates of peace. The inspector general expressed concern about the disrespectful manner some members of the public have towards the police. Police officers experience insults and other derogatory comments from members of the public at these rallies, a practice that Ndeitunga said needs to stop. He also expressed concern about the number of illegal firearms in possession of civilians. ""If the situation like the one in Kenya erupted, then we will face big problems because they are using machetes while here, there are a lot of firearms. We should avoid carrying firearms more especially when attending rallies and have firearms only when protecting our properties."" Ndeitunga, who is on an official visit to the region, paid a courtesy call on the Oshana Regional Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa. " 2008-03-12Staff Report 2
