BERSEBA: Lieutenant-General Joseph Shikongo, the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force, has proposed the implementation of community policing programs in Berseba and its surrounding areas. During his speech at the 4th edition of the Berseba Goat Expo 2023, Shikongo emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the community and the police in enhancing law enforcement and safety.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the proposed community policing programs include the neighborhood watch, the Youth Against Crime, and the Women and Men network. Shikongo stated that policing should be a collective and shared responsibility, highlighting the potential benefits of such programs in building trust and establishing progressive relationships between the police and the community.

Shikongo explained that community policing would enable continuous engagement between residents and law enforcement, allowing communities to share concerns and collectively devise strategies to address local issues. He emphasized that this involvement would help protect lives and properties, and provide an opportunity for citizens to report criminals and their activities. This approach is expected to enhance the prevention and effective combating of crime.

During his address, Shikongo also shared crime statistics for the Berseba area, revealing that between January to December 2022, a total of 44 cases were reported, while from January 2023 to the date of the expo, there were 45 reported cases. He listed the most common crimes in the area as rape, murder, domestic violence, assault, gender-based violence, housebreaking, dealing in drugs, and stock theft.

The Inspector-General advised businesses and farming communities to invest in better security systems, such as improved fencing and CCTV cameras, to prevent crimes, particularly stock theft. He affirmed the police force’s commitment to providing security to all citizens and those within the borders of Namibia.

Shikongo’s call for community policing comes at a time when collaborative efforts between communities and law enforcement are increasingly recognized as crucial in the effective prevention and combat of crime.