The police have recorded a total of 24 cases of sodomy or rape involving inmates in holding cells from the 2023/24 financial year to date.
The highest number of incidents was recorded during the current period with 10 cases, compared to nine in 2024 and five in 2023.
The statistics were provided in the National Assembly on Thursday, after Independent Patriots for Change member Vilho Ihemba posed questions to home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu.
Ihemba said vulnerable offenders are assaulted by fellow inmates, and that the government was not doing anything to prevent it.
In an incident last month, a police officer was arrested for allegedly raping an inmate in the Kavango West region.
The suspect (32) raped the victim (22) in a holding cell at Ncaute Police Station between 22 and 23 January.
The suspect has been arrested and charged, Kavango West chief inspector Raimbeth Muronga says.
Iipumbu did not reveal how many police officers have been arrested for crimes in holding cells, noting that questions sent to the inspector general’s office regarding such arrests remain unanswered.
SMUGGLING IN CELLS
During the same session, Ihemba also questioned what the ministry was doing about the smuggling of contraband into holding cells.
He said trial-awaiting offenders were extorting money from fellow inmates and, in some cases, this was being done in the presence of police officers.
“These are not just speculations; we have material evidence here to support the claims. These reports indicate a big concern and the decline of public trust in the police due to inhumane treatment by offenders and their relatives alike,” Ihemba said.
On 1 February, it was reported in the media that a male police constable (35) was on the run after he allegedly supplied an inmate at the Tutaleni Police Station holding cells at Walvis Bay with cannabis in January.
According to a police crime report, it is alleged that the on-duty constable intentionally brought cannabis to the police station, took it to the holding cells and handed it over to a trial-awaiting inmate (25).
Iipumbu said the police recorded 52 cases of contraband smuggling within holding cells between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years.
She said the ministry has put measures in place to ensure regions maintain a proactive approach to managing cell searches and eliminating contraband.
“This approach consists of diligently monitoring police officers who might attempt to smuggle prohibited items into holding cells,” she said.
The minister said four extortion cases were reported in the 2023/24 financial period, seven in 2024/25 and six in the current 2025/26 year, bringing the total to 17.
Iipumbu said all seized contraband is destroyed to ensure safety.
Inmates found in possession of prohibited items, she said, are dealt with accordingly, while police officers abetting contraband in holding cells are held accountable under the provisions of Regulation 15 of the Police Act 19 of 1990 as amended.
“Cash found during the search is deposited directly into the state bank account,” Iipumbu added.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
