Police chief Joseph Shikongo has urged all police commanders to ensure that there will be enough manpower to attend to administration and operational duties during the festive season.
He made these remarks during the 2023/24 festive season crime prevention and road safety preparation meeting held in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The meeting devised appropriate strategies to curb crimes during the upcoming festive season, as well as to ensure that community members and visitors are safe.
Shikongo emphasised the importance
of community engagements and partnerships, and urged police to continue building trust and collaboration with local communities.
He added that the support and cooperation of citizens is vital in their efforts to prevent and combat crime.
“Let us ensure that our actions during this operation reflect our commitment to serving and protecting all members of our society, regardless of their background,” he noted.
In addition, he called on the men and women in uniform to lead by example, treat every citizen with respect and empathy, and remember that they are here to serve and protect. “We must also look after our
own well-being and that of our fellow officers, ensuring we are mentally and physically prepared for the demands of this operation,” the police boss stated.
Shikongo then urged officers to always be vigilant, professional and courteous.
Also speaking at the meeting was deputy inspector general Elia Mutota, who said to achieve these objectives, it will take the combined efforts of dedicated law-enforcement agencies, local businesses, community organisations and the community itself.
“We should identify several key areas in our quest to strengthen and improve law-enforcement efforts to prevent and reduce crime during the festive season, ensuring that families can enjoy their holidays without fear, promote road safety by raising awareness and preventing accidents on our roads, as well as fostering a sense of unity and community spirit that transcends any challenges we may face,” he stressed.
- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na