Language barrier derails police work at Tsumkwe

Despite language challenges experienced between the police and the local San community at Tsumkwe, services continue, with efforts being made to address the issue.

National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says the police continue to render services to the Tsumkwe community, after concerns over language barriers were raised at a community meeting on Friday.

Community members raised the challenges of communicating their problems to police officers as many of them do not speak the San language.

Shikwambi says although the language barrier is a challenge the police are addressing the issue, hence the community engagement meeting, an initiative of police chief inspector general Joseph Shikongo.

“We must really also give credit that services are being rendered in the Tsumkwe area or anywhere in the country. Tsumkwe is one of the areas with a very low crime rate,” she says.

Shikwambi says the community meeting came about after identifying barriers, including language.

Another issue was the fact that the number of San police members recently decreased, she says.

Some San members do not see their recruitment through or do not show up for work, prompting them to be discharged, Shikwambi says.

“We are, however, encouraging the San community – those who can read and write – to become police officers,” she says.

Shikwambi says police officers are encouraged to learn the San language – especially those working with the community.

Tsumkwe San community activist Calvin Kazibe says he is not convinced that language is a barrier.

“Language is never a barrier, as you can easily find somebody to interpret . . . We have a lot of graduates. Gone are the days when qualifications were an excuse to hide behind.

“Many pupils obtained insufficient points in Grade 11, but can, however, read, write and speak English,” he says.

If the police want to recruit San people, they will do so, he says.

The challenge at stations is rather officers’ rudeness, he says.

Kazibe says police officers must be trained on being polite, culturally sensitive, and ethical when recording complaints.

He says the community respects police officers although some cannot express themselves in English.