Police Inspector General (IG) Joseph Shikongo has reiterated promotions and appointments in the force are fair and done on merit.

Shikongo, who was reacting to a New Era article published on Tuesday this week and headlined ‘Shikongo shuffles his pack’, explained that contrary to the news report, he did not state that previous promotions were effected due to proximity to senior management or along tribal lines and family ties. 

This, he said, is evidenced by the diversity of those leading the force, which is a reflection of Namibians, and not tribes. On Monday, Shikongo made a raft of changes at the top echelons of the force. 

The appointment of Elias Mutota as deputy inspector general responsible for operations is Shikongo’s most significant. At least 15 changes were effected across the force’s various departments.

 The police supremo said the appointments were made in the best interest of the force and the country. Shikongo also urged journalists, who report on sensitive security matters, to be mindful of the correct context, to avoid any room for misinterpretation. 

The police chief also clarified that joint-operations with the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) will only be considered when necessary. The decision, he said, is informed by the police capacity to execute crime-prevention operations in the country.

 If and when the Namibian Police needs additional manpower from the security cluster, including NDF, a request will be made to that effect, as has been the case in the past. New Era regrets any inconvenience caused by the Tuesday article. 

Caption

On record… Inspector general Joseph Shikongo.

Photo: Emmency Nuukala