Windhoek, January 13, 2025 — The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) conducted its first media briefing of the year today, led by Inspector General Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo. The briefing addressed several pressing national issues, including preparations for the upcoming Guinas Constituency by-elections, the rise in child exploitation, and road safety concerns.
Security Preparedness for Guinas Constituency By-Elections
Lieutenant General Shikongo affirmed NamPol’s readiness to maintain a secure and peaceful environment during the Guinas Constituency by-elections scheduled for January 17, 2024. He confirmed that police officers designated to man the 20 polling stations are fully prepared for deployment. The Inspector General issued a stern warning against individuals or groups attempting to incite civil unrest, emphasizing that decisive action will be taken to uphold public order.
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| Inspector General Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo address the media |
Alarming Rise in Child Exploitation
The Inspector General expressed grave concern over the increasing cases of child exploitation, particularly involving prostitution and the distribution of explicit content on social media. He called on parents, educators, and guardians to remain vigilant and actively participate in awareness campaigns aimed at protecting children. The police force pledged to intensify efforts to combat this disturbing trend.
Festive Season Road Safety Concerns
Highlighting the recent surge in road accidents during the festive season, Lieutenant General Shikongo pointed to overloading, speeding, driver fatigue, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles as the primary causes. He stressed the critical need for motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on the nation’s roads.
The Namibian Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the public and called for collective responsibility in maintaining national safety and security.
