Anti-GBV unit plans policing programme
The Monica Gender Violence Solution (MGVS) organisation plans to establish a community policing programme this year in efforts to help curb crime in Windhoek.
MGVS chief activist Shaanika Nashilongo told Nampa they want to assist the police in fighting crimes such as gender-based violence.
The community policing initiative will have a solar camera project that will be piloted in the Goreangab settlement.
“Most informal settlements do not have electricity and that is why we plan to have solar-powered closed-circuit television cameras in areas with no electricity. This will make it easy for us to easily monitor these locations from our office,” Nashilongo explained.
The police regional commander for Khomas Commissioner Joseph Shikongo confirmed that MGVS has submitted a memorandum of understanding through the office of the regional commander.
“A written response has been sent to them, advising them to indicate areas in which they want to cooperate with the Namibian Police. We have a lot of areas to cooperate on but whatever they do has to be done within the confines of the law,” Shikongo said.
He further stated he has had a meeting with MGVS to explain what is required of them if they want to start a community policing programme.
“I referred them to the community policing division to get the community policing policy that will guide them. I know they are gender experts and they are doing well, but we don’t want them to risk their lives, especially at night,” he said.
Shikongo also added that if anyone wants to assist the police, they must contact the police crime prevention division for guidance.
According to the police’s community policing policy, community policing initiatives are required to observe and report any criminal activities to the police.
They are not allowed to participate in crime prevention operations but may accompany the police whilst conducting such activities.
They are also not allowed to arrest or detain suspects unless it is done strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 and such suspects must be immediately handed over to the police.
Applicants are amongst others subjected to screening by police for any criminal activity and have to complete a prescribed registration form at any local police station.