Police chief Joseph Shikongo has appointed chief inspector Christina Van-Dunem Da Fonsech as the head of the newly established Tourism Protection Subdivision.
Shikongo announced this during a debriefing parade at Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College on Tuesday.
He described Da Fonsech as an experienced and capable officer, saying her appointment is part of a broader strategy to professionalise tourist security and protect Namibia’s international image.
“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 explained that the specialised unit will focus on safeguarding tourists, preventing and investigating crimes affecting visitors, and maintaining Namibia’s image as a safe travel destination.
The subdivision ensures a secure and welcoming environment for both domestic and international tourists through rapid response, professional investigations, stakeholder cooperation, and proactive crime prevention initiatives, Shikongo said.
“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 also 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.
“Your tireless efforts, long hours, and readiness to serve under demanding conditions reflect the true spirit of the Namibian Police,” Shikongo said.
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