2015-11-04Staff Report 2 Windhoek The Minister of Safety and Security, (Rtd) Major-General Charles Namoloh has warned members of the public against carrying guns and other weapons for prestige. Namoloh said the police should always be on the alert and continue confiscating such weapons. The minister was speaking on Monday at the launch of Operation Omake, an exercise aimed at debushing Windhoek’s riverbeds as they are considered as hiding spots for criminals. Operation Omake is expected to continue throughout the festive season. Omake is Oshiwambo/Otjiherero for ‘putting hands together’. Namibia reportedly has among the most lax gun laws in the world. To acquire a gun licence, an applicant must simply be above 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. The police also look at physical fitness of the applicant and whether the person can handle a gun or not. The firearm division confiscates about 190 firearms a month across the country, police sources said. An audit report on the issuing and control of firearm licences carried out in 2009/2010 to 2011/2012 showed that more than 300 000 crimes were committed and 166 people were killed in cases involving firearms. Operation Omake is a joint effort between the Namibian Police, Windhoek City Police and Namibian Defence Force (NDF) to ensure there is no hiding place for criminals in Namibia. Namoloh called on all safety and security agencies and citizens to support Operation Omake to ensure that Namibia becomes a safer place for all her residents and visitors. The operation’s launch took place at the very spot where the lifeless bodies of the Kuaseua sisters (Cecilia and Jacqueline) were found on October 9 in Khomasdal. The Augustenium Secondary School teacher, Ananias Kamati, 32, is accused of killing the two sisters on October 9. He was laid to rest at his home village of Okandjira in the Ovitoto on Saturday. Kamati died on October 21 after drinking battery acid to end his life shortly after he killed the sisters. He apparently had a relationship with Jacqueline, who was a learner at Augustenium. 2015-11-04Staff Report 2
