SWAKOPMUND – Inspector- General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, says the recent Mariental tragedy, in which police officers lost their lives, once again revealed the harsh realities families face when officers die in the line of duty with no financial safety net. 

Shikongo was speaking, at the annual general meeting of the Namibian Police Benevolent Fund (NPBF) that is currently underway in Swakopmund. 

NPBF is a semi-official institution of the police within its human resource directorate. It was established in 1982 during the previous regime and taken over by the police after independence. 

The aim of the fund is to assist police officers and their dependents with easing the burden during the death of a family member, medical assistance for member or immediate family and when members need assistance when their properties are destroyed. 

However, the fund does not cater in an event where a member dies. 

Shikongo during the meeting revealed that the organisation has often been forced to scramble to support grieving families due to a lack of financial provisions for deceased officers. 

“We had one of the worst experiences in Mariental. We had to run around trying to assist the families. These members died on duty. In some instances when we check the accounts of our members who died in the line of duty, their accounts, are empty…nothing not even N$10 and others owe banks or cash-loan institutions. What do you do in that situation?” said Shikongo. 

He said some officers dedicate decades to the force, only for their families to be left destitute when they pass on. 

He also urged all police officers to join the fund to ensure their families are supported, even if the benefits start small. 

He wants all 16 000 members of the Namibian Police Force to become part of a group scheme, while membership coverage in terms of funeral insurance is being explored. “We must come up with tangible solutions shaping the organisation in terms of operations, administration and everything to ensure everything is in order.” 

Even if we say members are covered with N$40 000 it will help,” he said. “We need to change things. Let this meeting be a beacon of change,” he appealed.” 

Still a lifeline 

Benevolent Fund chairperson, Commissioner Lilungwe Mayumbelo, said the fund remains a lifeline for many officers facing emergencies such as study costs, medical needs and funerals. 

“It is a fund geared to soften the financial needs of its members. Members can access soft loans for funeral expenses, medical costs or education through a repayable loan. We only charge 5% to cater for bank transactions there is no interest,” he explained. 

According to Mayumbelo contributions start from N$20 per month for junior ranks and N$50 for senior ranks, with over 11 000 officers currently signed up. However, around 6 000 officers are still not members. 

He said there is a misconception where some feel that because they are not in need of a loan, they should not contribute. 

However, added that they encourage members to help their next-door neighbour, their sister or brother who may not have the means to do so. 

“That act of benevolence is what we promote,” he said. 

He also confirmed the fund is now working with insurance providers to explore group cover options so families of deceased officers can receive direct support. 

“When the actual member passes on, there are no benefits for them. So we want to create leverage to access group insurance cover. That will be the focus of our discussions,” he said. 

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na