Lahja Nashuuta
The inspector general of the Namibian Police Joseph Shikongo has vowed that foreign dignitaries, visitors and the Namibian nation will enjoy a secure and crime-free weekend for the State memorial service and funeral of late president Hage Geingob.
Many dignitaries are expected to arrive from today and tomorrow to attend the burial of the late president, slated for Sunday afternoon at Heroes’ Acre.
Shikongo made the remarks while addressing police officers at the Otjomuise police station in Windhoek.
He confidently said the police are ready to provide all necessary services to the people of Namibia and visitors during the mourning period and beyond.
“The nation has been asking us about
crime prevention preparation and readiness. Today, I just want to reaffirm that the Namibian Police, in collaboration with the security cluster of the Ministry of Safety and Security, are ready to provide security services to the public and the rest dignitaries who are coming for the State funeral. We are coordinating with the security cluster such as the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Namibian Intelligence Services, and the City Police to ensure top security”.
Besides that, Shikongo revealed that he has given directives that through the national mourning period, no leave should be issued, unless it is an emergency.
“No one should take leave during this period, especially the regional commanders. Since there will be memorial services across the 14 regions, I have issued the directive for all regional commanders not to travel to Windhoek, but to rather stay and focus on their region,” he noted.
He further revealed that the Namibian Police have increased their presence in Windhoek by also deploying non-uniformed police forces to ensure public safety.
Brigadier general Rehabiam Kalimba confirmed yesterday afternoon that the NDF will lead a military procession with the remains of the late president across the capital city today.
He said the procession will commence at 12h00 from State House, via Laurent Desire Kabila Street through David Hosea Merero Road via Jan Jonker Street to Rehobother Road to Hendrik Witbooi Drive.
At 12h20, a military parade is expected to leave Hendrik Witbooi Drive through Moses Garoeb Street to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Road.
Between 12h20 to 13h30, the military procession is expected to leave Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Road through Independence Avenue, to Sam Nujoma Drive. They will pass through Soweto Market to Katutura Shoprite, heading to the Fire
Brigade circle and lastly to the central
business district via Avani Hotel to Sam Nujoma Drive.
At around 13h10 to 13h35, the president’s remains are expected to leave Sam Nujoma Drive, passing St Paul’s College to Casa Rosalia, where it will be kept for two hours before it is taken to Parliament Gardens.
Learners should line up along the route from David Hosea Meroro Road to Hendrik Witbooi Drive and Moses //Garoeb Street.
At Parliament Gardens, the body will be ready for viewing from 16h30 on 23 February until 11h30 on 24 February.
Schools such as Concordia College, Windhoek International School, Emma Hoogenhout Primary School, Pioneerspark Primary School, Rocky Crest High School, Rocky Crest Primary School, Crist Love Christian School and Highland Christian School are expected to form the guard of honour, as per the ministry of education’s executive director Sanet Steenkamp’s directive.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs this week announced that a team of military experts specialising in military drills, cultural protocols and customs from the Zambian army arrived in Namibia to extend support to the NDF as they prepare for the funeral proceedings of late president Geingob.
The team touched down in Windhoek on Tuesday, 13 February, and is expected to bring invaluable experience in protocol regarding the internment of the statesman, as that country has dealt with the deaths and state funerals of two presidents, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa and Michael Chilufya Sata.
–lnashuuta@gmail.com