Swapo Community accuses Police of tardiness

SLOW or no response by Police in emergencies is straining relations between the community and local police at Swakopmund, according to locals.

This was said at a public meeting on crime at the coastal town yesterday. According to residents, the tardy response of the Police in emergency situations was a major safety issue. Several recent incidents – including an attempted rape – were highlighted in which criminals targeted locals and visitors and in which the Police allegedly took very long to respond.The Police also ‘dragged their feet’ in cases of loitering in residential areas, unruly schoolchildren and the harassment of tourists in town.’These loiterers come to our houses with all kinds of excuses, and we feel unsafe. But the Police don’t come to keep them away from us,’ said an elderly woman. ‘If I shot one then the Police would come very quickly.’Among other concerns mentioned were that many Police officers could not read or write or speak English and some apparently did not even know the town. Also Police emergency numbers were said to be outdated in the latest telephone directory.The meeting was called by the Erongo Police Chief, Commissioner Festus Shilongo, who could not attend because he had to go to Windhoek on short notice.No Police representative was present, but Swakopmund CEO Eckart Demasius said he would pass on residents’ concerns to the Police chief. About 45 residents, mostly senior citizens, attended the meeting.