CoD demands answers on City Police delay

GOVERNMENT is today expected to explain the delay in establishing the Windhoek City Police.

Yesterday Congress of Democrats (CoD) MP Ignatius Shixwameni gave notice in the National Assembly that he would ask Minister of Local and Regional Government and Housing, Joel Kaapanda, to explain to the House what was happening with the establishment of the long-awaited Municipal Police force. “When can Windhoek residents and ratepayers expect to have the City Police officers on the streets of the capital to help prevent and combat crime in the city more effectively and efficiently?” was the question Shixwameni put to the Minister.Shixwameni is also expecting confirmation from the Minister on whether the delay could, in part, be ascribed to differences between Municipal, Home Affairs and Namibian Police officials.He also expressed concern about the appointment of the City Police force’s senior officers and sought an assurance from the Minister that this would be done without political interference and would be based purely on the experience and professionalism of the applicants.In January, Home Affairs Minister Jerry Ekandjo told The Namibian that the force would be up and running by May.”When can Windhoek residents and ratepayers expect to have the City Police officers on the streets of the capital to help prevent and combat crime in the city more effectively and efficiently?” was the question Shixwameni put to the Minister.Shixwameni is also expecting confirmation from the Minister on whether the delay could, in part, be ascribed to differences between Municipal, Home Affairs and Namibian Police officials.He also expressed concern about the appointment of the City Police force’s senior officers and sought an assurance from the Minister that this would be done without political interference and would be based purely on the experience and professionalism of the applicants.In January, Home Affairs Minister Jerry Ekandjo told The Namibian that the force would be up and running by May.