Police vehicle shortage threatens crime response
Stock theft plagues constituency
The Ndiyona police station currently operates without any vehicles, making it difficult to respond to crimes, particularly in the remote inland villages.
Ndiyona constituency councillor Laurentius Mukoya has made an urgent plea to the safety and security ministry and Namibian Police chief Joseph Shikongo to immediately acquire police vehicles.
Currently, the Ndiyona police station operates without any vehicles, making it difficult to respond to crimes, particularly in the remote inland villages, he said.
Speaking to Namibian Sun on Wednesday, Mukoya stressed the critical need for police transportation in the constituency. "The police station here doesn't have a car, and this is the reality. During our meeting two months ago, I informed the minister about this issue. He told me to wait for the budget, but the truth is, if any criminal activity occurs in this constituency, we must rely on vehicles from Rundu or Mukwe. This is a serious issue, and I am appealing to the ministry and the inspector-general to send us at least two cars,” he said.
Mukoya highlighted that Ndiyona records the highest incidents of stock theft in Kavango East's inland areas. "I can’t deny that we face serious crime issues, especially stock theft. That’s why I’m appealing to the government to help us by providing a vehicle, or even two 4x4 vehicles, to assist with patrolling and crime response," he said.
Not unique
Kavango East regional police commander, Commissioner Andreas Kanyanga Haingura, declined to comment on Mukoya’s statements, saying: “It is not my place to comment on what politicians say”.
“However, this vehicle shortage issue is not unique to Ndiyona. Across the country, police stations have been grappling with a lack of reliable transportation, which hampers effective policing. Unfit or outdated vehicles are becoming a major obstacle in ensuring public safety.”
In May, Swapo member of parliament Gerhard Shiimi raised similar concerns, calling on the ministry to address the lack of police vehicles. During a parliamentary session, he further criticised the inefficient use of police vehicles, pointing out instances where officers use them for personal errands or while under the influence of alcohol. He urged better care and management of police resources to ensure that law enforcement can fulfil its mandate.
Billions needed
Rural areas, especially in the two Kavango regions, have been particularly hard hit by the lack of police vehicles. In January, Namibian Sun reported that residents of Ncaute in Kavango West criticised the local police for using a single 2x4 vehicle that is unsuited for reaching remote areas. This has raised concerns about the station’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies such as assaults, murders or rapes.
Social worker Felixia Hamutenya of Ncuncuni constituency acknowledged that, despite the vehicle shortage, the police have gone the extra mile by using the vehicle as an ambulance for critically ill patients, given the scarcity of medical transport in the region.
Minister Albert Kawana revealed earlier this year that the Namibian Police requires N$4.5 billion to effectively combat crime. Of this, N$245.4 million is earmarked for 36 capital projects.
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Currently, the Ndiyona police station operates without any vehicles, making it difficult to respond to crimes, particularly in the remote inland villages, he said.
Speaking to Namibian Sun on Wednesday, Mukoya stressed the critical need for police transportation in the constituency. "The police station here doesn't have a car, and this is the reality. During our meeting two months ago, I informed the minister about this issue. He told me to wait for the budget, but the truth is, if any criminal activity occurs in this constituency, we must rely on vehicles from Rundu or Mukwe. This is a serious issue, and I am appealing to the ministry and the inspector-general to send us at least two cars,” he said.
Mukoya highlighted that Ndiyona records the highest incidents of stock theft in Kavango East's inland areas. "I can’t deny that we face serious crime issues, especially stock theft. That’s why I’m appealing to the government to help us by providing a vehicle, or even two 4x4 vehicles, to assist with patrolling and crime response," he said.
Not unique
Kavango East regional police commander, Commissioner Andreas Kanyanga Haingura, declined to comment on Mukoya’s statements, saying: “It is not my place to comment on what politicians say”.
“However, this vehicle shortage issue is not unique to Ndiyona. Across the country, police stations have been grappling with a lack of reliable transportation, which hampers effective policing. Unfit or outdated vehicles are becoming a major obstacle in ensuring public safety.”
In May, Swapo member of parliament Gerhard Shiimi raised similar concerns, calling on the ministry to address the lack of police vehicles. During a parliamentary session, he further criticised the inefficient use of police vehicles, pointing out instances where officers use them for personal errands or while under the influence of alcohol. He urged better care and management of police resources to ensure that law enforcement can fulfil its mandate.
Billions needed
Rural areas, especially in the two Kavango regions, have been particularly hard hit by the lack of police vehicles. In January, Namibian Sun reported that residents of Ncaute in Kavango West criticised the local police for using a single 2x4 vehicle that is unsuited for reaching remote areas. This has raised concerns about the station’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies such as assaults, murders or rapes.
Social worker Felixia Hamutenya of Ncuncuni constituency acknowledged that, despite the vehicle shortage, the police have gone the extra mile by using the vehicle as an ambulance for critically ill patients, given the scarcity of medical transport in the region.
Minister Albert Kawana revealed earlier this year that the Namibian Police requires N$4.5 billion to effectively combat crime. Of this, N$245.4 million is earmarked for 36 capital projects.
[email protected]
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