The Police Need More Than One Torch

Let me briefly talk about the ever increasing criminal activities, syndicates and gang-related crime in Namibia.

We often hear, read about and witness incidents of crime in our neighbourhoods, particularly in urban areas.

These barbaric and horrendous acts are committed by someone we know, hang around with and sometimes even someone close to us.

Namibian law-enforcement authorities by the look of things need to equip themselves with the best equipment and strategies to approach gang-related crimes – especially cash in transit heists, which I think requires advanced technology, but Namibia has none.

Generally, robbery covers a wide range of incidents from snatching a cellphone to robbing a bank or cash-in-transit truck.

  In Namibia, as one reads through media platforms and makes observations on the streets of how incidents happen, the observed mechanism to prevent/stop this is shocking.

There is real no synergy between our two police service institutions.

It is a very scary situation.

From sloppy officers, insufficient resources to the court of law, the situation is scary.

There are brilliant officers out there, but Namibia needs all stakeholders and perhaps sponsorships to play their part.

When individuals or businesses are robbed of large sums of cash, the country’s economy is affected.

This sometimes leads to companies closing and unemployment, affecting the local economy.

Young criminal-minded people should be taught lessons – either by tightening prevention tactics, going hard on them, or rehabilitating them after being properly found guilty by a competent court.

This should be done in conjunction with proper investigations, statement writing, the correct presentation of evidence, and ethical prosecution.

Often, we observe the police responding to a crime scene with one torch and unroadworthy vehicles, with the bumpers falling off.

They probably feel we trust them.

The business community should also step in.

Security guards protect billions of dollars and properties with only a pistol and basic training skills.

I suggest that a research facility be established to determine police operational requirements and take stock of available equipment.

Concerned Citizen

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