Allexer Namundjembo
At least 17 police officers have died in line of duty since 2019. Inspector general Joseph Shikongo revealed this on Saturday during the commemoration of the Interpol International Blue Day at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Olympia, Windhoek.
The annual observance, held under the theme “Fallen Heroes in Blue Forever Remembered”, honours police officers who died while performing official duties.
Speaking during the ceremony, Shikongo said the day reminds officers that policing demands sacrifice.
“This day is internationally recognised under the auspices of Interpol and reminds us that policing is not just a mere profession. It is a calling that demands courage, sacrifice, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our people,” he said.
He said the commemoration gives the country time to remember officers who died protecting communities.
“This sacred occasion calls upon us to pause, to reflect and to honour the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in service to our country. They stood between danger and the communities they swore to protect,” Shikongo said.
Police said the officers died in incidents such as road accidents, shootings and operational deployments.
Among those remembered was sergeant Eustace Simasiku Matongo, who was shot and killed in Walvis Bay in August 2025 while attempting to arrest a suspect.
Sergeant Mercia Marshal Louw and cadet constable Gerson Hepute also died after a vehicle accident near Mariental while responding to assist a community member in labour.
Warrant officers George Shiluwa and Lukas Tagandja Nangolo died in a vehicle accident in Windhoek in November 2025 after escort duties.
Chief Inspector Richie Karel Noabeb died while on official duty in Rundu in August 2025.
Shikongo said the police force also recognises the losses experienced by the officers’ families.
“To the families present here today, no words can truly ease your pain. Your loved ones were not only officers; they were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends,” he said.
“As a Force, we acknowledge that their sacrifice is also your sacrifice. The Force is indebted and committed to walking this journey with you.”
He said the officers who died while serving showed dedication to their duties.
“Our fallen officers understood this calling. They stood firm in moments of uncertainty. They acted when others retreated,” Shikongo said.
He urged officers still in service to honour their colleagues by performing their duties with discipline and responsibility.
“To the men and women in uniform, let this day remind us that the badge we wear carries both honour and responsibility. May the memory of our fallen colleagues inspire us to uphold the highest standards of discipline, compassion and courage,” he said.
Shikongo said the police force would continue to honour officers who died while serving the country.
“As we assemble at this respected institution of training and discipline, we reaffirm our pledge that we shall never forget those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their names will live on and be engraved on our roll of honour,” he said.
Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the commemoration highlights the risks police officers face while protecting communities.
“Today, we stand united with the global Interpol community in solemn observance of the International Blue Day of Remembrance for fallen police officers,” she said.
“It is a day not only of reflection but also of renewed resolve, reminding us of the fragility of peace and the unyielding dedication required to preserve it.”
Iipumbu said the officers who died served the country and protected communities from crime.
“These individuals’ sons, daughters, parents and spouses embodied the essence of public service. Day after day they confronted organised crime, protected vulnerable communities and upheld the principles enshrined in the constitution,” she said.
She said the government will continue to strengthen the police force through better working conditions, training and support programmes for officers and their families.
The ceremony included the laying of wreaths and the engraving of the names of the fallen officers at the police college memorial site.
