THE police commander for the Khomas region, Joseph Shikongo, says the end of the first phase of ‘Operation Kalahari Desert’ will not leave a vacuum in crime prevention.
In an interview with yesterday, Shikongo emphasised that the suspension of the crime-fighting operation will not endanger the lives of the public.
“People should not feel unsafe,” Shikongo said.
The operation was launched by police inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga in May, and at the time he said the operation “will never end”, but run in phases until December.
Ndeitunga told the media last week that the operation would take a break on Sunday 30 June, though the date of commencement is yet to be announced.
About 90% of members of the public can attest to the good brought on by the operation, Shikongo said.
According to the Khomas commander, who has vowed to rid the capital of crime, drug possession topped the list of the most prominent crimes during the first phase of the just-ended operation.
Second on the list was cellphone grabbing, followed by a number of drunk-driving incidents, he added.
The operation resulted in a reduction in the crime rate as it deterred notorious criminals and those intending to commit crimes.
Shikongo said the operation’s image was tainted by assault cases levelled against some of its members.
“The operation is meant to police everywhere,” he said, addressing critics who often question why police officers are more conspicuous in Katutura.
He explained that the exercise is not meant to discriminate against others, and that it is informed by crime statistics.
“We feel we haven’t done enough in Katutura; some people complain of not having seen our presence,” Shikongo said.
Safety and security deputy minister Daniel Kashikola last week issued a stern warning to criminals that security officers will remain visible.
“Do not be mistaken and think we are not there,” Kashikola said.
He added that mechanisms are in place to respond to any threats or emergencies which may arise during the operation’s break, and reasoned that revealing what the mechanisms are would be a security compromise.
“Communities should be confident of the country’s security,” the deputy minister said.
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