Rudolf Gaiseb
Police supremo Joseph Shikongo is a worried man.
This follows the concerns he raised over the disturbing rise in the exploitation of children through prostitution, and the alarming circulation of sexual-related content on social media.
Addressing the media in the capital yesterday, the police inspector general emphasised the gravity of the situation, saying the heinous acts are not just crimes against individual children, but are crimes against humanity.
“As a Force, we, therefore, urge parents, educators and guardians to remain vigilant. Know what your children are doing, educate them about the dangers of immoral practices, and encourage open communication. We urge everyone to act responsibly, report suspicious activities, support awareness campaigns, and join us in creating a safer environment for our children. Let us ensure that no child suffers from any form of sexual exploitation,” he noted.
Another cause for concern is the continued non-adherence to the rules of the road, namely overloading, speeding, fatigue, drinking and driving, unroadworthy vehicles, as well as negligent driving.
Furthermore, Shikongo strongly cautioned members of the public to exercise their democratic rights within the confines of the law.
This comes after the police observed certain individuals, both local and in the diaspora, attempting to incite violence and unrest through social media concerning the legal challenge on the recent national elections brought forth by some opposition political parties.
“Whatever the outcome of the court ruling, law and order within the Republic of Namibia must be maintained. Therefore, acts of violence, intimidation or threats to public safety and security will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he asserted.
Guinas by-election
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has indicated its readiness to conduct the Guinas constituency by-election this Friday, with the police geared to maintain law and order there.
NamPol will deploy 18 police officers covering 20 polling stations, five fixed and 15 mobile stations to ensure safety and security during the election.
“In addition, routine patrols will be intensified, and teams will be on standby for any eventuality,” the inspector general assured.
Equally, ECN Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer Peter Shaama said in a press statement last Friday that the execution of the electoral schedule for the by-election is well on track.
“The printing of ballot papers was completed on 10 January 2025 after the verification and signing off of the sample ballot paper by authorised representatives of contesting political parties on 8 January 2025. Solitaire Press was awarded the bid for the design, printing and delivery of the 4 600 ballot papers at the value of N$332 793,” he stated.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of councillor Elias Marthinu on 21 October 2024.
The commission will issue duplicate voter cards from 14 to 16 January 2025.
The issuance of duplicate voter cards will take place from 08h00 to 17h00, with a lunch break between 13h00 and 14h00.
“The commission wishes to encourage registered voters to exercise their democratic right during this by-election by electing a leader of their choice. It equally reiterates its commitment to upholding the integrity of this electoral process,” Shaama noted.
The poll will see two members of the same family – albeit from different political backgrounds – square off for the regional councillor position in the Oshikoto region. The Landless People’s Movement’s Fransiskus Khumub and his cousin, Swapo Party’s Moses Khumub, are the only two candidates to contest this by-election. Although the two are distant cousins, such a contest will be a first for the country at the regional council level.
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