EDITORIAL: Ndeitunga will be missed
Between quirky off-the-cuff remarks, perceived partisanship entrenched in his political background and accruing such titles as ‘Mr Miniskirts’ due to his evidently outdated outlook on society’s evolving rights and lifestyles, Sebastian Ndeitunga is retiring as a decorated police officer.
Beyond the controversies that punctuated his career, such as warning women to refrain from wearing miniskirts, the outgoing police chief was a kind and accessible man who, apart from carrying out his duties largely well, also provided headline-inducing soundbites to the press.
Yes, police brutality prevailed during his time in office to the extent that much money was spent on litigation and compensating victims.
Perhaps more seriously, perceptions of a tribalised recruitment in the police force also soared under his reign.
Meanwhile, we are also convinced that the Namibian Police resources were abused in the Cyril Ramaphosa ‘farmgate’ issue, including flying a police chopper to pick up men who came to seek President Hage Geingob’s help in apprehending the suspects while no charges were filed to formalise such actions.
But amid all this, crime, which was his primary duty, has remained at manageable levels in Namibia during the 17 years of the Ndeitunga regime. His promotion of female officers to positions of authority in recent years has also won him plaudits.
The character that is Sebastian Ndeitunga will always divide opinion, but this is inevitable for any incumbent in that position.
Beyond the controversies that punctuated his career, such as warning women to refrain from wearing miniskirts, the outgoing police chief was a kind and accessible man who, apart from carrying out his duties largely well, also provided headline-inducing soundbites to the press.
Yes, police brutality prevailed during his time in office to the extent that much money was spent on litigation and compensating victims.
Perhaps more seriously, perceptions of a tribalised recruitment in the police force also soared under his reign.
Meanwhile, we are also convinced that the Namibian Police resources were abused in the Cyril Ramaphosa ‘farmgate’ issue, including flying a police chopper to pick up men who came to seek President Hage Geingob’s help in apprehending the suspects while no charges were filed to formalise such actions.
But amid all this, crime, which was his primary duty, has remained at manageable levels in Namibia during the 17 years of the Ndeitunga regime. His promotion of female officers to positions of authority in recent years has also won him plaudits.
The character that is Sebastian Ndeitunga will always divide opinion, but this is inevitable for any incumbent in that position.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article