Namibian Police get wings

A 13-year long Government plan to equip the Namibian Police with its own Air Division became a reality on Friday, when the division was officially inaugurated by President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Safety and Security Minister Nickey Iyambo said the Air Wing, which is equipped with one helicopter and three pilots, was an example of Namibia’s seriousness in gearing for possible cross-border crime surges given the hosting of the Fifa World Cup and the African Cup of Nations in South Africa and Angola respectively next year.
‘The launching of the Air Wing and the commissioning of the first helicopter came at a time when Namibia is gearing all forces to fight crime and be vigilant for possible criminals that will cross the borders specifically with the Fifa World Cup tournament in South Africa and the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola,’ Iyambo said.
‘This helicopter will enable our Police force to respond speedily to demands associated with combating crimes, especially in the farming areas, cross border crime, vehicle and stock theft and other crime in the far outskirts of the country,’ he added.
Iyambo said a second helicopter will be added to the division by the 2012-13 financial year.
In addition to the helicopter’s intended use in search and rescue missions, and in exposing fleeing and hiding criminals, Pohamba said it will also be used by other Government offices, ministries and agencies for tasks such as disaster management or rescue operations during floods, combating veld fires, and in controlling and monitoring the movement of dangerous wild animals.
‘This level of co-ordination is necessary as it promotes the efficient utilisation of available resources and equipment,’ Pohamba said.
Commenting on the training in South Africa of the three pioneering division pilots, Pohamba stressed the need for quality training for the entire Police force, saying this was imperative to maintaining peace and security.
‘Without peace and security, we will be unable to implement our development programmes or to attract investors to invest in our country. Moreover, citizens expect the Police to carry out their duties so that all our citizens can walk on the streets and other public places without fear. The fact that criminals intimidate law abiding citizens with fear of violence is not acceptable in a democratic society based on the rule of law,’ the President said.
The Police’s first helicopter is an AS350 B3 Squirrel, manufactured by Franco-German-Spanish group, Eurocopter.