Kupembona: The Erongo security sector has described the late Walvis Bay businessman and community leader John Savva as an avid advocate for safety and order in the region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Namibian Police Commander for the Erongo Region, Nikolaus Kupembona, described Savva as a key player who played a crucial role in supporting community policing and contributing to the socio-economic development of Erongo. Savva, who passed away on Saturday due to illness, was a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Honorary Consul of Cyprus and Greece in Namibia.

Kupembona remarked that Savva's passing has left a deep void in the community, particularly within the police force. 'We fondly called him Uncle Savva, and his passing has truly impacted us, not only personally but as an institution. He was a pillar of strength in community policing and a passionate advocate for a safer Walvis Bay. He worked closely with us and constantly encouraged the police to improve service delivery to the community,' the commissioner expressed.

Kupembona noted that Savva was always willing to offer advice and practical support to the police without expecting anything in return. 'He was instrumental in ensuring that our police vehicles remained operational, often stepping in to assist with maintenance to ensure officers were mobile and able to respond effectively,' he added.

Savva was also described as a unifying figure who inspired loyalty, community participation, and partnership between citizens and law enforcement. Former Erongo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba recalled how Savva instilled values of patriotism and collective responsibility. 'One of the most important lessons I learned from him was love for the country, our government, and our people. He believed that while security is guaranteed by law enforcement, safety is a shared responsibility.'

Shapumba noted that Savva brought people together, encouraged collaboration, and made everyone feel that they had a role to play in keeping their community safe. He added that Savva treated everyone equally, regardless of rank or status, often placing young officers at the same table as senior government officials to ensure they learned and grew as leaders. 'He would say, 'We came into this world the same way, and we will leave the same way.' There was no big or small person in his eyes,' Shapumba remembered.

Beyond personal mentorship, the late Savva also made tangible contributions to the police and other government institutions. He made his facilities available for community meetings and government events and donated a building to serve as a police station opposite Afrodite beach. He also chaired what was then called the Police Committee, a structure that brought together various stakeholders to strengthen security cooperation in the region. In addition to his contributions to the security sector, Savva also supported education and youth development initiatives, community upliftment programmes, and regional development projects.

Savva is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.