Windhoek: Overcrowding in police holding cells across Namibia has been highlighted as a serious national issue, exerting pressure on both detainees and police resources, according to the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) national spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Shikwambi stated in an interview that while new police station structures are designed with planned cell capacity in mind, merely expanding existing holding cells is not seen as a sustainable long-term solution. The ultimate resolution, she noted, lies in effective crime prevention and fostering partnerships with the community.
Shikwambi explained that the number of trial-awaiting inmates fluctuates regularly due to ongoing arrests, bail payments, releases on warnings, and court outcomes, all of which contribute to the persistent overcrowding of holding cells. She emphasized the need for a joint intervention involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, the Attorney General, and the Judiciary to devise a sustainable solution. Additionally, she called for the courts to expedite case finalizations to reduce the number of individuals detained in holding cells.
The early statistical report from NamPol highlighted that facilities in Eenhana and Katima Mulilo are severely overpopulated, with 270 and 262 inmates, respectively, in cells designed to hold only 60 individuals. In situations of extreme overcrowding, some inmates are relocated to other holding cells to temporarily alleviate congestion, while ensuring adherence to guidelines that prevent the mixing of different categories of detainees, such as juveniles and adults.
Shikwambi further elaborated that managing trial-awaiting detainees in overcrowded conditions is extremely challenging. Nonetheless, officers are committed to prioritizing the provision of meals, ensuring court attendance, granting access to medical treatment, and facilitating daily clinic or hospital visits for those in need of care or chronic medication.
She concluded by expressing NamPol's appreciation for continued government support in addressing the issue and urging community involvement through awareness, education, and collective crime prevention efforts.