Inspector general Joseph Shikongo has placed the Tourism Protection Subdivision under his direct command to enhance coordination and safeguard Namibia’s reputation as a secure destination.
The police chief announced this during a debriefing parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College on Tuesday.
“This temporary realignment is intended to strengthen command and control, improve coordination at the national level, and ensure a uniform operational approach in the protection of tourists and tourism-related sites across the country,” Shikongo said.
He said the specialised unit will focus on safeguarding tourists, preventing and investigating crimes affecting visitors, and maintaining Namibia’s image as a safe travel destination.
He said the sudivision ensures a secure and welcoming environment for both domestic and international tourists through rapid response, professional investigations, stakeholder cooperation, and proactive crime prevention initiatives.
“By prioritising tourist safety, the unit contributes directly to national economic stability and the promotion of Namibia as a safe global travel destination,” he said.
Shikongo commended officers for a recent nationwide crime prevention operation, noting that visible policing, intelligence-led interventions, roadblocks, patrols, inspections and coordinated actions across all regions had achieved their objectives.
“I wish to commend all officers who participated in this operation for their professionalism, discipline, commitment, and dedication to duty,” he said.
The police chief urged continued collaboration with security agencies and communities, and emphasised that crime prevention remains a collective responsibility.
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