The Namibian Police say they have observed a disturbing rise in the exploitation of children through prostitution and the alarming circulation of related content on social media.
Inspector general Joseph Shikongo announced this in Windhoek yesterday.
“We cannot overstate the gravity of this situation, because these acts are not just crimes against individual children, they are crimes against humanity, society and the very principles of decency and justice,” he said.
He referred to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), which deals with cybercrime and online child sexual exploitation.
Shikongo urged parents, teachers and guardians to remain vigilant.
“Know what your children are doing, educate them about the dangers of immoral practices and encourage open communication.
“We urge everyone to act responsibly, report suspicious activities, support awareness campaigns and join the police in creating a safer environment for children,” he said.
During the briefing, Shikongo also stressed the high rate of road crashes on national roads during the festive season.
He said although the official statistics are expected to be announced after consultations with all road safety stakeholders, the police are concerned about continued non-adherence to the rules of the road.
This involves overloading, speeding, fatigue, drinking and driving, travelling in unroadworthy vehicles and inconsiderate driving, he said.
BY-ELECTION
With the upcoming Guinas constituency by-election slated for Friday, Shikongo assured residents of the police’s readiness to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful environment.
“In line with the constitutional mandate to safeguard democratic processes, the police are collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), to execute the by-election’s operational plan,” he said.
Shikongo said the police will deploy 18 officers to 20 polling stations in the constituency.
In addition, routine patrols will be intensified and teams will be on standby for any eventuality, he said.
“Transportation of election materials will be done under police escort and stored at Tsumeb Police Station for safeguarding before, during and after the election process.
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