Police chief lays down law on brutality claims

THE Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, has taken issue with his regional commanders over a string of recent allegations of Police brutality.

On Monday, the same day that the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) issued a statement condemning the Police for an incident which allegedly took place at Rundu last year, Ndeitunga told his subordinates to make sure that such acts are not “left unabated”. In the latest reported incident, a 22-year-old man from a village near Rundu alleges that he and two friends were arrested without warrants and tortured.Two of them were locked up, one of whom allegedly died in custody, while the other was acquitted of the charges brought against them more than a year later.”I am witnessing the escalating trend of human rights violations by members of the force, which indeed is a great concern,” Ndeitunga states in his communication to his commanders.”These types of acts are not expected from professional Police officers, who are entrusted to maintain law and order, ensure (the) highest standards of respect for the rule of law, basic human rights and democratic values.”It is totally against the general principles of the Human Rights Code of Conduct, and without a doubt is tarnishing the good image and reputation of the force,” he said.He ordered his commanders to critically scrutinise a recent report issued by the United States Embassy, as well as reports by local human rights organisations, such as the NSHR, to establish the facts behind the allegations they contain.If the reports proved true, he said, commanding officers must ensure that in-depth investigations are carried out.”Failure to act, in case of any wrongdoing, constitutes a negligence of duty, and a commander found to be neglecting his or her duties will be held accountable,” Ndeitunga said.He directed his commanders to ensure that all officers under their command are continuously sensitised to the general principles and standards of human rights and freedoms.The NSHR, to whom a copy of the Inspector General’s report was forwarded, yesterday commended Ndeitunga for speaking up against the wrongs in his department.”As human rights defenders we have no doubt whatsoever about the sincerity of the honourable Inspector General of the Police and his commitment to ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights for all,” NSHR Executive Director Phil ya Nangoloh said.”General Ndeitunga has made history by being the … highest-ranking Namibian Police officer to have issued such directive,” Ya Nangoloh said, adding that he was “deeply encouraged” by the move.In the latest reported incident, a 22-year-old man from a village near Rundu alleges that he and two friends were arrested without warrants and tortured.Two of them were locked up, one of whom allegedly died in custody, while the other was acquitted of the charges brought against them more than a year later. “I am witnessing the escalating trend of human rights violations by members of the force, which indeed is a great concern,” Ndeitunga states in his communication to his commanders.”These types of acts are not expected from professional Police officers, who are entrusted to maintain law and order, ensure (the) highest standards of respect for the rule of law, basic human rights and democratic values. “It is totally against the general principles of the Human Rights Code of Conduct, and without a doubt is tarnishing the good image and reputation of the force,” he said.He ordered his commanders to critically scrutinise a recent report issued by the United States Embassy, as well as reports by local human rights organisations, such as the NSHR, to establish the facts behind the allegations they contain.If the reports proved true, he said, commanding officers must ensure that in-depth investigations are carried out.”Failure to act, in case of any wrongdoing, constitutes a negligence of duty, and a commander found to be neglecting his or her duties will be held accountable,” Ndeitunga said.He directed his commanders to ensure that all officers under their command are continuously sensitised to the general principles and standards of human rights and freedoms.The NSHR, to whom a copy of the Inspector General’s report was forwarded, yesterday commended Ndeitunga for speaking up against the wrongs in his department.”As human rights defenders we have no doubt whatsoever about the sincerity of the honourable Inspector General of the Police and his commitment to ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights for all,” NSHR Executive Director Phil ya Nangoloh said.”General Ndeitunga has made history by being the … highest-ranking Namibian Police officer to have issued such directive,” Ya Nangoloh said, adding that he was “deeply encouraged” by the move.