The Windhoek City Police Service has commended community members for their continued support in preventing crime.
The city police monitors Windhoek using CCTV cameras installed throughout the city.
City police spokesperson superintendent Marceline Murapo on Wednesday said the community has donated approximately 250 CCTV cameras.
“So far, the Windhoek City Police Service has received approximately 250 cameras from the community, with ongoing procurement and installation efforts to expand coverage further,” Murapo stated.
She explained that cameras are strategically placed in key locations, including crime-prone residential areas, the central business district, and traffic intersections.
These locations are determined by crime statistics, consultations with affected stakeholders, and constituency offices. All donated CCTV cameras are evaluated to ensure they meet quality and operational standards before being deployed.
Murapo emphasised that there is no harm in the public donating sensitive security equipment like cameras to the city police, especially when public safety is the priority. She noted that such donations demonstrate the community’s commitment to and belief in safety projects.
“Since the goal is public safety, there is no harm in the police receiving donated CCTV cameras, as it reflects strong community support and trust in safety initiatives,” she stated.
Murapo acknowledged concerns about the integrity and impartiality of surveillance operations when cameras are community-donated.
She, however, clarified that the cameras are used in a controlled manner, and even donors do not have access to them.
“We understand concerns regarding impartiality and can confirm that all donated CCTV cameras are controlled, monitored and used strictly in compliance with national privacy and security legislation after being received and integrated into the city police centralised monitoring system. Donations do not grant any third-party access or control,” she stressed.
She added that police officers who are well-trained and sensitive to privacy issues monitor the cameras.
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