Kapofi warns illegal protesters
The safety and security minister has told 685 new police officers that they would risk their future in the police force by getting actively involved in politics.
TUYEIMO HAIDULA
ONDANGWA
Safety and security minister Frans Kapofi has warned Namibians that the police will have no mercy for people organising illegal demonstrations.
Kapofi was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the police basic training at Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre in Ondangwa on Friday.
“We are seeing people mobilising themselves to march into Windhoek. Surprise attacks may result in surprise consequences. Please make sure you register your demonstrations and do it within the confines of the Namibian laws. We do not want people thrown in the back of the vans for participating in unauthorised activities,” he warned.
Police conduct
The minister told the 685 cadet constables, who have just completed their 12-month training, that President Hage Geingob wished them well in executing their policing duties.
He said the police had in recent years been on the receiving end of numerous negative media reports about the conduct of some police officers.
He said the officers now have a duty to respond and meet the expectations of the public.
“The nation expects you, as police officers, to perform. I therefore, encourage you all to live up to the expectations of the communities you will be serving. Do not fall into a trap of becoming complacent, which may lead you to neglect your duties just as long as you have a job.
“I must emphasise that timely response to public complaints should be the order of the day. Your successes will depend on the relationships that you will establish with the communities you will be serving. You must remember that trust is always earned. I therefore, urged you to do your work in a professional manner to gain that trust.”
Kapofi said there is no place in the police for officers who collaborate with criminals.
Focus on GBV
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga told the graduates that they are joining the force at a time when the country is experiencing increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“This is a serious concern. It is haunting us. Go out there knowing the nation is crying and make sure you deliver,” Ndeitunga said.
The police chief also used the platform to warn the officers not to get involved in political campaigning for the upcoming elections.
He said if they are actively involved in politics and pick sides, they risk their future in the police force.
ONDANGWA
Safety and security minister Frans Kapofi has warned Namibians that the police will have no mercy for people organising illegal demonstrations.
Kapofi was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the police basic training at Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre in Ondangwa on Friday.
“We are seeing people mobilising themselves to march into Windhoek. Surprise attacks may result in surprise consequences. Please make sure you register your demonstrations and do it within the confines of the Namibian laws. We do not want people thrown in the back of the vans for participating in unauthorised activities,” he warned.
Police conduct
The minister told the 685 cadet constables, who have just completed their 12-month training, that President Hage Geingob wished them well in executing their policing duties.
He said the police had in recent years been on the receiving end of numerous negative media reports about the conduct of some police officers.
He said the officers now have a duty to respond and meet the expectations of the public.
“The nation expects you, as police officers, to perform. I therefore, encourage you all to live up to the expectations of the communities you will be serving. Do not fall into a trap of becoming complacent, which may lead you to neglect your duties just as long as you have a job.
“I must emphasise that timely response to public complaints should be the order of the day. Your successes will depend on the relationships that you will establish with the communities you will be serving. You must remember that trust is always earned. I therefore, urged you to do your work in a professional manner to gain that trust.”
Kapofi said there is no place in the police for officers who collaborate with criminals.
Focus on GBV
Police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga told the graduates that they are joining the force at a time when the country is experiencing increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“This is a serious concern. It is haunting us. Go out there knowing the nation is crying and make sure you deliver,” Ndeitunga said.
The police chief also used the platform to warn the officers not to get involved in political campaigning for the upcoming elections.
He said if they are actively involved in politics and pick sides, they risk their future in the police force.
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