NATIONAL police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says people should “scream, yell, or run away” when confronted by robbers and other dangerous criminals.
His troubles come as the public is more at the mercy armed robbers.
Yesterday Shikwambi stated that in some cases, victims of robberies can sustain serious injuries.
A woman was robbed by four men earlier this week while crossing a river at Cimbebasia.
“Robberies are very unpredictable. Therefore, the broader public is cautioned to be vigilant while the police are intensifying their crime prevention operations,” she said.
Shikwambi said that common sense is the best defense against an attack. This includes avoiding risky situations and places.
“If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don’t be afraid to ask for help in any way you can.
“Scream, yell or run away for safety,” she said, while also urging the public to report cases to the police.
Joseph Shikongo, the new chief inspector general of police, stated earlier this week that the police are preparing to implement a nationwide operation to combat crime.
“We are coming back with a stronger operation [than the previous Operation Kalahari Desert], and we are not just going to be conducting it in Khomas, but will extend our operation to every corner of the country where crime is a concern.”
Shikongo was speaking at an event to say goodbye to Ismael basson, the former Khomas commander of police. Basson has been promoted to head the Omusati police. The event doubled up as a welcome party to David Indongo who was transferred from the //Kharas region of the Khomas region.
Shikongo stated that members of the media will be invited to the operation’s launch.
“We want to make sure Namibia remains one of the safest countries in the world,” he said.
Some members of the public have recently called for the police to return the NDF crime-busting Operation Kalahari Desert and the joint police force.
Windhoek resident Magret Kakoo says: “The force must return, but my fear is that they also abuse people. It would be better if they came back with just sjamboks to discipline these thieves.”
Maria Japhet (27) a Havana resident who was robbed her personal items, said that it would be a dream come to life to see Opera Kalahari Desert return.
“All these small boys you see walking on the streets are on a mission, and it does not matter what time of the day it is. I am sure if the soldiers came back to the streets, this would not happen,” she says.
Walvis Bay resident Petrus Iyambo says: “Criminals are terrorising us, especially women who are coming from the factories. We need a plan for the streets to be patrolled.” Although many residents are pleading for the return of the NDF, not all residents agree.
Abed Uukunde, Windhoek resident says that the police should explore other ways to reduce crime.
“So many times I have been abused for no reason. The one time I was coming from a shebeen, and I was beaten so badly for nothing,” he says.
Silas Shipandeni (police spokesperson) says that the police are currently looking at different strategies to reduce the high rate of crime.
“We are not only focusing on Kalahari. This is only the name of an operation. We also have other operations on ground. The only thing we are looking at is to intensify those in existence,” he says.
Shipandeni states that one strategy the police are considering is using officers who work from 08h00 to 17.00 to patrol.
“We are aware of the high crime rate, and we are working hard to ensure we fight it to the core,” he says.
Source: namibian
