Incoming Namibian police Deputy Inspector General for operations Joseph Shikongo has pledged to focus on joint operations, including patrols and investigations with neighbouring countries to curb cross-border crimes.
Shikongo, who served as Khomas commander, was yesterday promoted to the rank major general, replacing Major General Oscar Embubulu who went on retirement.
Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga promoted Shikongo and also elevated Ismael Basson to the rank of Khomas police regional commander, with the rank of commissioner.
In his acceptance speech, Shikongo said: “I must accept that the shining sword I have just received from my predecessor is a great symbol of substance and a sign of high responsibility. I will keep it visibly displayed, not as a decoration, but a constant reminder of the heavy responsibilities bestowed upon the office of deputy inspector-general for operations that is to guide the police operations for the duration of my tenure of office”.
Shikongo said he is aware of the limited resources affecting the operations of the force, but the team will try by all means to maximise their output to achieve more with limited resources. He joined the force on 27 November 2000 with the rank of an inspector and was deployed at the criminal investigations directorate as a staff officer to the commissioner.
He rose through the ranks of the police until he was appointed Khomas commander in 2019.
On his part, Ndeitunga praised Embubulu who served the force with honour and dedication for 25 years in various capacities and portfolios.
In 1990, Embubulu was inducted into the Namibian Defence Force with the rank of lieutenant. He then served for six years in various capacities and portfolios, such as instructor, staff officer, team member of the Namibian Defence Force tactical manual drafters.
During his stay with the defence ministry, he was later promoted to the rank of captain responsible for policy and training under the Directorate of Operations, before he was transferred and appointed to the police force in 1996 with the rank of deputy commissioner responsible for personnel and administration at the Special Field Force Directorate.
In 2013, he was appointed as chief of security to former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and was thereafter appointed as head of very important persons protection directorate in 2015.
He was the first-ever police attaché, based in Pretoria, South Africa, but also covered Botswana, Mozambique and the kingdoms of Lesotho and eSwatini.
Embubulu was promoted to the rank of major general and appointed deputy inspector-general responsible for operations on 1 April 2018 to replace Major General Desiderius Shilunga who retired that year.
-anakale@nepc.com.na