Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, national spokesperson of the Namibian Police Force, said allowing civilians to disarm police officers undermines the law and compromises the officer’s ability to carry out their duties.
Shikwambi shared this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer in response to an incident at Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, where the company reportedly demanded that bodyguards of minister of justice and labour relations, Fillemon Immanuel, surrender their firearms to company security before being allowed entry.
The incident occurred last week, during the minister’s visit to the Chinese-owned company to inspect a labour dispute.
Media reports indicate the company also required the minister, his security detail, and delegation to undergo alcohol testing before entry and leave their firearms at the gate with company security personnel.
Shikwambi said civilians are not allowed by law to disarm trained police officers while performing their official duties.
She said the Namibian Police Force is mandated to protect life and property, and officers are trained to carry firearms in all situations.
“As such, it is imperative that police officers retain their firearms at all times while on or off duty, and particularly when providing security for our VIP/VVIPs, such as the honourable minister. Allowing a civilian to disarm an officer would not only compromise the officer’s ability to perform his/her duties but also undermine the authority vested in them by law,” she said.
Shikwambi said the company’s request should never be accommodated, as it goes against the principles of protecting life and property and maintaining law and order.
She added that the request showed a lack of understanding of police operational procedures and the legal framework guiding police conduct.
Politicians from different parties have criticised the company, accusing it of undermining Namibian laws and interfering with the minister’s constitutional duties.
Sinomine has since issued an apology, citing a miscommunication between relevant parties.
The company reaffirmed its alcohol testing policy, which it said has been in place since 2013 and applies to all personnel and visitors. However, it did not address the issue of firearm surrender.
