WINDHOEK: Beginning 17 November, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) will commence a specialized Festive Season Crime Prevention Operation and Road Safety Campaign aimed at enhancing safety on national roads and minimizing crime rates.

According to NAMPA, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, the announcement was made during the 2023/24 festive season crime prevention and road safety operations preparatory meeting with all 14 regional commanders. Shikongo revealed that the nationwide operation will continue until 16 January, engaging nearly all police officers in active duty while retaining only a minimal staff for administrative tasks.

Shikongo elaborated that the operation aims to focus on saving lives and protecting property. To that end, the majority of officers will be deployed in key areas, including streets, specific locations, identified hot spots, and other critical zones.

The operation will also enhance police visibility and improve response times, targeting key issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, excessive speeding, and driving under the influence. In addition, the operation will inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles and will increase the number of both fixed and mobile roadblocks.

For the campaign to meet its objectives, Shikongo stressed the importance of multiple intelligence-driven approaches and heightened police visibility in all identified areas. These areas include locations where large community gatherings occur during holidays, beaches, and tourist destinations. Operations will involve regular vehicular and foot patrols, sporadic roadblocks, and searches for wanted suspects.