Shikongo wants more white police officers

The one thing Namibia needs to work on is the representation of white people in the police force.

This according to Namibian Police Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo, who said white Namibians “are not excluded [from the force] because the applications are open to everyone”.

Shikongo, who was speaking at the official opening of basic police training last week, made reference to outcry from various regions during the recruitment process, and said the trainees were drawn from all corners of the country.

“We believe that all regions are equal. The parade today is representing the demographic of our country,” he said.

Disappointing

According to Shikongo, it is disappointing when officers graduate from basic training and do not know what their mandate entails.

“I direct that the main mandate should be known by the officer cadets by heart.”

He further noted that there has been growing concern about the Namibian Police’s service delivery.

“Our people are complaining about service delivery, and I want instructors to ensure that the officer cadets are trained efficiently,” he stressed.

The inspector-general said he hopes the outcome of the training will be a beacon of hope to the Namibian people.

“I therefore would like to emphasise that policing is not just a job; it is a calling to serve and protect, to be a source of reassurance to those in need.”