The Namibian Police is reviewing how it provides meals to trial-awaiting inmates after a High Court ordered three northern police stations to feed accused persons on court days.
The High Court order was issued on 23 July to the station commanders of the Ondangwa, Omungwelume and Oshakati police stations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, acting inspector general major general Anne-Marie Nainda says the force noted recent public discussion and media reports regarding the provision of meals to trial-awaiting inmates, particularly on court days.
“The Namibian Police welcomes public interest in the welfare of the inmates and recognises the importance of ensuring that operational arrangements adequately safeguard the welfare and dignity of all persons in its custody, including during court appearances,” Nainda says.
She says as part of implementing recommendations made by the Office of the Ombudsman relating to detention conditions, the police continues to work on ways to improve the diet of inmates.
“Recently, the police management engaged the state chief dietician, who recommended to the ministry for minor adjustments to the existing menus to enhance nutritional standards of meals provided to the inmates,” she says.
According to the police, persons detained in holding cells are provided with meals in accordance with prescribed standards, with trial-awaiting inmates receiving three meals a day while they remain in police custody.
However, Nainda acknowledges that operational challenges may occasionally affect the timing of meals.
“There may be, occasionally, operational challenges affecting the timing of meals, particularly where accused persons are transported over long distances or spend extended periods attending court, or delays in food preparation, or at times the delivery of supplies,” the statement says.
The acting police chief says where such circumstances arise, station commanders are expected to make reasonable arrangements to ensure inmates receive their prescribed meals.
“The police respects the authority of the court directive that relates to a specific matter before it and will be reviewing existing operational procedures to identify practical measures that will strengthen compliance with its duties across all police holding cells, taking into account operational requirements and available resources,” she says.
