Naloba demands new Erongo police commander

The Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) is urging the police to act urgently take action to combat the rising crime rate in the Erongo region.

This comes after the life of Matheus Sheehama (24) was abruptly cut short at Walvis Bay in a suspected murder case.

The Erongo police over the weekend reported that a businessman (40) was stabbed in the chest by another man (40) at Facebook Bar at Kuisebmond on Friday.

“It is alleged that the victim, who is the bar owner, tried to stop the suspect who wanted to stab another man with the knife, after they chased one another into his bar,” the police said.

‘DO SOMETHING’

Naloba vice president Peter Amadhila on Monday said a new regional commander might be “urgently needed” in the Erongo region.

“Also an armed joint force is highly needed in that region to disband all the thugs and bring that region to order.

“Walvis Bay and Swakopmund top as tourism destinations and contribute highly to the gross domestic product as well as the growth of our economy. However, Erongo is no longer safe,” he said.

“Our businessmen and women no longer feel safe, our international visitors and investors are no longer feeling safe. The highly alarming rate of crime portrays a dark image of our country,” he said.

Amadhila suggested that police inspector general Joseph Shikongo act and clean up the Erongo and other regions where crime is increasing.

“Our call to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is to make the Erongo region safe for business, tourists as well as international investors,” he said.

The Erongo region was ranked among the most crime-hit regions, with most crimes committed during the 2023/24 financial year at 8%.

‘WORK WITH US’

Shikongo this week said the presence of serious crime in the Erongo region is not new.

“In July, I had an operation there with the regional commander and other stakeholders. I visited about three areas where people were murdered. Every life of a Namibian lost is a serious crime, and not only in Erongo, but all over Namibia,” he said.

He said most cases involve Namibians murdering other Namibians.

Shikongo urged the public to collaborate with the police to fight crime.

“These people are being attacked at drinking places and when travelling at night from clubs. The police cannot be everywhere, but we are going to continue with our crime prevention strategy,” he said.

The inspector general encouraged communities to form neighbourhood watch initiatives.

“We are concerned when young people are dying, when houses are being broken into, and people go missing. Let’s work together with the police, speak to your regional commanders, and find ways to fight crime,” Shikongo said.

He said officers should patrol their areas supervised by their station commanders.

“The issue of Sheehama is regrettable. A younger life was lost and investigations are progressing well. The one who was stabbed on Friday, the police are on it.

“Those with information must come forth,” he said.