Namibian Police chief Joseph Shikongo says they have started discussions with the safety ministry and the Namibian Correctional Services on how to address overcrowding in police cells in Namibia.
One such way is the construction of a remand facility to house accused persons until their trial begins, or until they have been convicted and sentenced.
“Our police cells are overcrowded, and this is because we don’t have remand facilities. All accused are kept in custody,’’ Shikongo said, noting that around 6000 detained individuals stand before courts every month.
Although there are no rules and regulations supporting a remand facility in Namibia, they are advocating for it.
“This is the only way we will be able to accommodate the inmates separately, and avoid overcrowding,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Oshana regional commander Commissioner Naftal Sakaria said 75 inmates were released on bail after a bail reduction was granted to those with minor cases to create room in the crowded police cells.
“We have more than 500 inmates in Oshana police cells. Ondangwa and Oshakati’s capacity is 130, while Ongwediva is 23, but the cells are accommodating twice the capacity,’’ Sakaria said.
He stated that if the government comes up with remand facilities, it will address issues around overcrowded police cells.
“The overcrowding is due to an increase in crime in the area and a limited number of holding cells,’’ he said, adding that another contributing factor is the number of trial-awaiting prisoners held in police cells.
Overcrowding in the police cells is further exacerbated by the lack of alternative mechanisms for dealing with short-term offenders, who would ordinarily not qualify for a prison sentence, Sakaria said.