Police engage closely with communities

Police in the Oshikoto Region hosted an engagement with Andjambambali village residents over the weekend to talk about the importance of community police and police services.

Oshikoto police commander Commissioner Teopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, who led the delegation, emphasised the police’s commitment to enhance stakeholder engagement as directed by the Namibian Police's strategic plan.

At the event, 26 members of the community joined the Women and Men Network, a voluntary group of community members who work closely with the police to fight crime.

Kalompo-Nashikaku explained that similar engagement exercises take place every second week, with the police visiting areas where police infrastructure is scarce.

The community and the members of the police took part in various games, such as volleyball.

Direct feedback

During the visits, the police provide feedback and progress reports on crimes reported by the community.

During the engagements, residents also have the opportunity to report crimes, request document certifications and police declarations, she explained.Oshikoto region has been amongst the regions where a lot of social crimes are committed especially rape and gender based violence.

Among the crimes reported to the police was the alleged rape of a 27-year-old woman by two men, aged 29 and 32, in January at the Onyati location in the Onyaanya constituency. The suspects were arrested, police said.

In March, it was reported that a 10-year-old girl was raped by a 20-year-old man while on her way home from school in Okaluwa village.

Meanwhile, the police engagement was not all about work but fun as well.

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