Windhoek: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and responsible as schools reopen following the end of the festive season and the school holidays. NamPol emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of children, especially young learners, as they head back to school for the new academic year.

According to Namibia Press Agency - English, NamPol issued a media statement highlighting the significance of parental vigilance in maintaining public order, safety, and security. The statement called for parents and guardians to exercise heightened awareness and responsibility to ensure the children's safety as they return to school.

Young children, particularly those just beginning their school journey, may not be familiar with school routines and potential dangers in their environments. NamPol advised parents, guardians, and teachers to instruct children in precautionary measures, such as using designated drop-off and pick-up zones.

Other recommended precautions include encouraging children to walk in groups, promptly reporting anything unusual or disturbing to a teacher or trusted person, and ensuring the child knows their full name, their parents' or guardians' names, and contact numbers.

The statement further advised that to prevent missing children reports, children should be cautioned against talking to strangers after school and reminded to remain at their pick-up locations until collected by their parents or guardians.

Additionally, addressing the issue of fraud incidents during the registration of unplaced learners, the police warned the public to avoid paying anyone to place children in schools or institutions. They also advised students in tertiary education to be cautious when seeking rental accommodation, as scammers often pretend to offer assistance in exchange for a fee.

NamPol reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, urging collective efforts to ensure a safe, happy, and successful start to the academic year for all children, particularly those taking their first steps into education.