Remain apolitical as elections approach, Shikongo urges officers

Namibian Police Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo has called on members of the force to be apolitical, further expressing disappointment in those involved in political affairs.

Shikongo made a clarion call at the closing of a senior command conference in Ongwediva on Friday, saying he will deal with police officers engaging in politics and bringing the name of the force into disrepute.

He told the top brass to devise what he termed 'effective crime management strategies' to enable them to fight crime. This, he said, will be even more important for them to ensure public safety and security as Namibians prepare to head to the polls in November.

"It is disappointing to hear police officers getting involved in politics when they are supposed to serve all Namibians equally," Shikongo said.

He added that police officers need to ensure that members of the public continue to cultivate the fruits of their hard work and rejoice in harmony.

“Equally important is our commitment to remain apolitical in all our endeavours. The Namibian Police Force has always been, and must remain, a bastion of impartiality and fairness. Our duty is to serve and protect every citizen with equal respect, regardless of their political affiliations or personal beliefs,” Shikongo stressed.

He said the just-ended conference passed 25 resolutions, adding that he has no doubt that these resolutions will be fully implemented. “However, it goes without saying that implementation, in most cases, will require allocation of resources. Hence, we look forward to working together with our business community and the general public in overseeing that our programmes and activities towards the combatting of crime are realised.”