Miss Namibia finalist responds to backlash over police hat
Miss Namibia first runner-up Leena Lindiwe Mugena says the negativity surrounding a viral video of her wearing a Namibian Police hat is unwarranted – despite the Police Act explicitly stating that this is a punishable offence.
In a TikTok video, Mugena playfully remarks: "So guys, I am in town. I came to look for the 'botsotsos' (criminals).”
The 23-year-old Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) computer science student also quipped in the video that she would make a "hot police officer."
Given incidents of criminals impersonating police officers to commit robberies and other crimes, her video drew mixed reactions, with some arguing her actions were criminal if interpreted in line with the Namibian Police Act 19 of 1990.
Section 34 of the Act states: "Any person who wears any uniform, distinctive badge or button of the Force or anything so closely resembling any such uniform, badge or button as to be calculated to deceive, shall, unless they are a member entitled by reason of their appointment, rank or designation to wear such uniform, badge or button, or have been granted permission by the Inspector-General, be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N$4 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to both such fine and imprisonment".
Good intentions
A defensive Mugena yesterday said: "It is important for us, as Namibians, to approach situations with an open mind and good intentions rather than assuming negativity. Many of our fellow citizens have worn police uniforms in movies and other settings without controversy, so I ask that we give one another the benefit of the doubt when our intentions are pure.”
Speaking to Namibian Sun, she added: "The hat I wore symbolises my respect and admiration for the dedication our police officers show in maintaining peace and safety in our country.”
She emphasised that her intention was never to offend or disrespect the uniform or the police.
Respect the uniform
Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday highlighted that the misuse of national symbols, including police uniforms, is in serious violation of the law.
"It is not allowed for anyone, including police officers, to misuse national garments or symbols. All national symbols are protected by law, which prohibits any act intended to insult, display contempt or hold them up to ridicule.”
She also expressed concern over the growing trend of social media videos involving persons dressed in police uniforms.
“We have observed similar acts on TikTok, where members of the public or police officers appear in uniform, sometimes even while on duty. This is a disgrace to the Force, especially to those of us who respect our uniforms,” she said.
This incident echoes a similar case from last year when a young woman was expelled from a nursing school in Oshikango after a viral video was deemed inappropriate by the institution.
Eighteen-year-old Maria Edward was expelled from the Alba Chipamba Training Centre after a video of her, dressed in a nursing uniform and dancing while holding a drink, went viral. Edward said she shared the video with her cousins on her first day at college, unaware of the strict rules regarding the use of uniforms.
The video was later shared on social media without her knowledge, leading to her expulsion.
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In a TikTok video, Mugena playfully remarks: "So guys, I am in town. I came to look for the 'botsotsos' (criminals).”
The 23-year-old Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) computer science student also quipped in the video that she would make a "hot police officer."
Given incidents of criminals impersonating police officers to commit robberies and other crimes, her video drew mixed reactions, with some arguing her actions were criminal if interpreted in line with the Namibian Police Act 19 of 1990.
Section 34 of the Act states: "Any person who wears any uniform, distinctive badge or button of the Force or anything so closely resembling any such uniform, badge or button as to be calculated to deceive, shall, unless they are a member entitled by reason of their appointment, rank or designation to wear such uniform, badge or button, or have been granted permission by the Inspector-General, be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N$4 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to both such fine and imprisonment".
Good intentions
A defensive Mugena yesterday said: "It is important for us, as Namibians, to approach situations with an open mind and good intentions rather than assuming negativity. Many of our fellow citizens have worn police uniforms in movies and other settings without controversy, so I ask that we give one another the benefit of the doubt when our intentions are pure.”
Speaking to Namibian Sun, she added: "The hat I wore symbolises my respect and admiration for the dedication our police officers show in maintaining peace and safety in our country.”
She emphasised that her intention was never to offend or disrespect the uniform or the police.
Respect the uniform
Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday highlighted that the misuse of national symbols, including police uniforms, is in serious violation of the law.
"It is not allowed for anyone, including police officers, to misuse national garments or symbols. All national symbols are protected by law, which prohibits any act intended to insult, display contempt or hold them up to ridicule.”
She also expressed concern over the growing trend of social media videos involving persons dressed in police uniforms.
“We have observed similar acts on TikTok, where members of the public or police officers appear in uniform, sometimes even while on duty. This is a disgrace to the Force, especially to those of us who respect our uniforms,” she said.
This incident echoes a similar case from last year when a young woman was expelled from a nursing school in Oshikango after a viral video was deemed inappropriate by the institution.
Eighteen-year-old Maria Edward was expelled from the Alba Chipamba Training Centre after a video of her, dressed in a nursing uniform and dancing while holding a drink, went viral. Edward said she shared the video with her cousins on her first day at college, unaware of the strict rules regarding the use of uniforms.
The video was later shared on social media without her knowledge, leading to her expulsion.
[email protected]
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