Namibian Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has appointed Sydney Philander as the new regional commander of Hardap, replacing John Lifasi who passed away earlier this month.

Philander, who in the process was promoted to the rank of commissioner, will take up his new position this Sunday.

Prior to his appointment, Deputy Commissioner Philander, who has 35 years of policing experience, was the head of high profile investigation unit. “Philander is a highly qualified detective who completed his basic and advanced criminal investigation course in 1993 and has served in various positions in the criminal investigation directorate,” Ndeitunga said.

Over the years, Ndeitunga said, Philander was involved in successful investigations of many high profile murder and robbery cases, the Caprivi High Treason case as well as other serious crime investigations.

“We wish Philander the best of luck with his new assignment, to render quality law enforcement service to the nation, particularly the community of Hardap,” Ndeitunga noted.