Are Our Police Properly Trained?

Allow me to air my veiws regarding our police officers, more specifically our Special Field Force and Police Task Force in your newspaper.

On 2nd September 2004 I read an article in The Namibian about the four innocent foreigners who were kicked and pointed at with AK 47 rifles by the Task Force Police. I am very shocked to hear our police offiers are involved in such cases, it seems like the stated police officers are not trained to handle suspects whether such suspects are foreigners or Namibians.Such police officers regard themselves as judges or magistrates.The police officers have no right to kick, hit or point at suspects with guns, but they only have the right is to arrest suspected criminals, not the other way around.One should ask oneself about the training these police officers received.I am ashamed because it looks like such police officers did not receive any training at all.My concern is that the said police officers know nothing about the Namibian Constitution, they also do not seem to be aware of what rights they have and what rights they do not have.Article 8(b) of the Namibian constitution protects suspects from being tortured.Article 11(1), prevents arbitrary arrests or detention, while Article 21 (g) grants each and every person rights to move freely throughout Namibia.I know for a fact that after receiving training police officers become permanent law enforcement officers in the society.They (police officers) are also receiving Human Rights training.The police officers should know that like any other citizens they are not above the law but all people are equal before the law.The police officers have the right to arrest people only if they have been informed properly in the language they understand that they are under arrest.The police officers have the right only to maintain law and order and to safeguard the state properties.I know that the purpose of keeping suspects in custody is merely to make sure that he/she appears in court to stand trial or to prevent him/her from being freed or committing another crime.But if it is going like this, police officers will be perceived to be above the law, which is in conflict with our Constitution.Where did these police officers get the right to exceed their power? The police have the right to defend themselves if necessary and if suspects open fire on them.They have no right to kick and beat any suspects who surrender.I urge police officers more especially, Task Force and Special Field Force to stop beating and kicking people and continue maintaining law and order.They must stop beating and kicking innocent people because they (the officers) do not have this right.H Andimba WindhoekI am very shocked to hear our police offiers are involved in such cases, it seems like the stated police officers are not trained to handle suspects whether such suspects are foreigners or Namibians.Such police officers regard themselves as judges or magistrates.The police officers have no right to kick, hit or point at suspects with guns, but they only have the right is to arrest suspected criminals, not the other way around.One should ask oneself about the training these police officers received.I am ashamed because it looks like such police officers did not receive any training at all.My concern is that the said police officers know nothing about the Namibian Constitution, they also do not seem to be aware of what rights they have and what rights they do not have.Article 8(b) of the Namibian constitution protects suspects from being tortured.Article 11(1), prevents arbitrary arrests or detention, while Article 21 (g) grants each and every person rights to move freely throughout Namibia.I know for a fact that after receiving training police officers become permanent law enforcement officers in the society.They (police officers) are also receiving Human Rights training.The police officers should know that like any other citizens they are not above the law but all people are equal before the law.The police officers have the right to arrest people only if they have been informed properly in the language they understand that they are under arrest.The police officers have the right only to maintain law and order and to safeguard the state properties.I know that the purpose of keeping suspects in custody is merely to make sure that he/she appears in court to stand trial or to prevent him/her from being freed or committing another crime.But if it is going like this, police officers will be perceived to be above the law, which is in conflict with our Constitution.Where did these police officers get the right to exceed their power? The police have the right to defend themselves if necessary and if suspects open fire on them.They have no right to kick and beat any suspects who surrender.I urge police officers more especially, Task Force and Special Field Force to stop beating and kicking people and continue maintaining law and order.They must stop beating and kicking innocent people because they (the officers) do not have this right.H Andimba Windhoek

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.