Justicia Shipena
Traffic fines worth N$562 250 were issued during a nationwide crime prevention operation conducted from 30 January to 2 February.
Inspector general of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, released the results of the month-end operation, code-named “Walya Shakakodhi Tala Pombada”, which was carried out across all 14 regions.
Khomas issued traffic summons worth N$114 750 and arrested 15 suspects.
Otjozondjupa followed with N$124 750 in traffic fines and confiscated eight firearms, the highest number of firearms seized in a single region.
The operation was launched in response to rising cases of robbery, drug dealing, stock theft, poaching, illegal hunting, and financial and online crimes reported in different parts of the country. It aimed to reduce crime during the month-end period, increase police visibility, raise public awareness, and ensure that Namibia remains safe for citizens and visitors.
Police conducted foot and vehicle patrols in urban and rural areas, enforced road traffic laws, monitored liquor outlets, and carried out ATM surveillance in malls and shopping centres.
In total, 212 suspects were arrested for minor and serious offences.
Police confiscated drugs valued at N$90 840 and illicit goods, including cigarettes, fuel and alcohol, worth N$163 813. Suspected stolen property valued at N$84 500 was recovered.
Twelve stock theft cases were reported. Fifteen unlicensed firearms were confiscated and two firearms were seized for safekeeping, bringing the total firearms removed from circulation to 17.
Hardap recorded 51 arrests, the highest number of suspects arrested in one region, and confiscated five firearms.
Oshana arrested 46 suspects and seized illicit goods valued at N$18 555. Ohangwena recorded the highest value of confiscated illicit goods at N$126 000. Omusati confiscated drugs worth N$44 240, the highest drug value among the regions.
Kunene recovered stolen property worth N$82 000, the highest value of recovered goods in one region. Zambezi issued traffic summons worth N$40 000 and confiscated one firearm.
Shikongo said the operation faced challenges such as poor mobile network coverage in some areas, a shortage of patrol vehicles and limited manpower. He said the operation achieved its objectives and will continue in all regions.
Speaking during a debriefing parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College on Tuesday, Shikongo also announced the temporary transfer of the Tourism Protection Subdivision from the regional command structure to the Office of the Inspector-General with immediate effect.
He said the move aims to strengthen command and control, improve national coordination and ensure a uniform approach to protecting tourists and tourism sites across the country.
Officers will be appointed and transferred to serve under the subdivision based on experience, professionalism and suitability for tourism protection duties.
The Tourism Protection Subdivision is tasked with safeguarding tourists, tourism infrastructure and the country’s tourism industry.
Shikongo also raised concern over the arrest of 13 police officers since January 2026 on various charges.
Three officers were arrested for possession of cannabis and remanded in custody, while one officer has an outstanding case involving attempted murder, kidnapping and assault and is out on bail.
Three officers were arrested on corruption and extortion charges, with two remanded in custody and one granted bail. Another three officers were arrested under the Anti-Corruption Act and the Stock Theft Act and were granted bail.
Three officers were arrested for corrupt use of office and extortion and remain in custody.
A student constable was arrested for forgery and contravening the Education Act and was granted bail.
Shikongo said the arrest of police members is regrettable and undermines the integrity and image of the force.
