Shikongo questions police over visible yet ‘missing’ vehicles

Namibian Police chief Joseph Shikongo has challenged officers to justify the visible presence of police vehicles while communities continue to decry slow response times due to alleged transport shortages.Speaking at a major crime prevention briefing at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College over the weekend, where about 40 police vehicles were parked, Shikongo highlighted the clear contradiction between public complaints and the apparent availability of resources. “When you go back to your stations, the public will call, and you will say: ‘We don’t have vehicles&#039;. But what happened to the cars that were right there in Patrick Iyambo’s possession?” Shikongo asked, highlighting the growing frustration of citizens who struggle to get timely police assistance.While acknowledging ongoing efforts to secure additional resources, Shikongo made it clear that the issue extends beyond a simple shortage of vehicles. Proper management and accountability are critical, he said, urging officers to ensure available resources are used effectively instead of allowing inefficiencies to persist.Vulnerable to crime Two weeks ago, NBC reported that the farming community at Epukiro was struggling with delayed police responses due to an alleged shortage of vehicles. Residents also voiced frustration over the lack of feedback on pending stock theft cases.Most Epukiro inhabitants depend on livestock farming, with theft posing a significant threat to their livelihoods. Without timely police intervention and updates on investigations, many feel increasingly vulnerable.Katjinduu Tjahuha, chairperson of the Farmers Association, said their police station is frequently without a vehicle.“Sometimes you report missing goats in Otjimati or Okatuuo, and when you call the police, you are told there is no vehicle. Other times, the vehicle is in Gobabis for repairs, and later you hear it does not have a battery,” he said.Omaheke regional police commander Heinrich Tjiveze insisted that every station in the region has a vehicle unless temporarily booked in for maintenance.Last year, Ndiyona constituency councillor Laurentius Mukoya made an urgent plea to the safety and security ministry and Shikongo for police vehicles.Currently, the Ndiyona Police Station operates without any vehicles, crippling its ability to respond to crimes, especially in remote inland villages.Speaking to Namibian Sun late last year, Mukoya said: "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.Widespread concern Meanwhile, Kavango East regional police commander, Commissioner Andreas Kanyanga Haingura, declined to comment on Mukoya’s remarks, saying: “It is not my place to comment on what politicians say.”However, he admitted that the vehicle shortage is a nationwide challenge. “This issue is not unique to Ndiyona. Across the country, police stations are grappling with a lack of reliable transportation, which hampers effective policing. Unfit or outdated vehicles are a major obstacle to ensuring public safety,” he told Namibian Sun. In May last year, Swapo parliamentarian Gerhard Shiimi raised similar concerns, calling on the safety and security ministry to address the police vehicle shortage. He also criticised officers for misusing vehicles, citing instances where they were used for personal errands or by officers under the influence of alcohol. He called for stricter management of police resources to ensure they serve their intended purpose.Rural areas, particularly in the two Kavango regions, have been hit hardest by the lack of police vehicles.Namibian Sun previously reported that residents of Ncaute in Kavango West criticised the local police for relying on a single 2x4 vehicle unsuitable for reaching remote areas. This has raised concerns about the station’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies.On a positive note, last year, Rössing Uranium donated N$750 000 to the Namibian Police in Erongo, earmarked for servicing and maintaining police vehicles in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Arandis.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Shikongo questions police over visible yet ‘missing’ vehicles

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Shikongo questions police over visible yet ‘missing’ vehicles

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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