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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Lucia Iipumbu

Also known as: Minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu · minister Lucia Iipumbu · Home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu · Minister Iipumbu · Ipumbu · Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu · Lucia Iipumba · Lucia Lipumbu · safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu · Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security Lucia Iipumbu

Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security; addressed border security and police operational challenges during June 2026 visits to Zambezi region.

2022-03-192026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. February 2026

  2. New Era

    Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu confirmed 52 criminal cases committed within police holding cells

    Source

    “Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu this week confirmed 52 criminal cases committed within police holding cells.”

    Crime behind bars  … 52 cases confirmed from holding cell

  3. The Namibian

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu announced the statistics on rape cases in holding cells in the National Assembly

    Source

    “Minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security Lucia Iipumbu announced the statistics on rape cases in holding cells in the National Assembly on Thursday.”

    Namibian police reject condoms in cells as rape cases surge: ‘We need laws, not condoms'

  4. The Namibian

    Lucia Iipumbu did not reveal how many police officers arrested for crimes in holding cells

    Source

    “Iipumbu did not reveal how many police officers have been arrested for crimes in holding cells, noting that questions sent to the inspector general's office regarding such arrests remain unanswered.”

    Police record 24 sexual assault cases in holding cells

  5. New Era

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu said providing members of public good service is non-negotiable

    Source

    “The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu, said providing members of the public good service is non-negotiable during a staff address held in Windhoek on Friday.”

    Iipumbu demands service delivery

  6. New Era

    Iipumbu urged staff to ensure work is grounded on national priorities outlined in developmental frameworks

    Source

    “She also urged the staff to ensure that as they execute their duties, their work is grounded on national priorities, which are outlined in developmental frameworks like the sixth National Developmental Plan (NPD6).”

    Iipumbu demands service delivery

  7. The Namibian

    Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu issued directives on implementation of outstanding visa reforms with finalisation deadline of 1 April

    Source

    “Speaking at the same event, home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu issued directives on the implementation of outstanding visa reforms.”

    Namibia generates N$413m from visa-on-arrival scheme in 11 months
  8. January 2026

  9. New Era

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu said government officials are set to meet soon to find lasting solution for Angolan children

    Source

    “Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety & Security Lucia Iipumbu said government officials are set to meet soon to deliberate on finding a lasting solution for the Angolan children roaming and selling handmade crafts on Namibian streets.”

    ‘Kadhila Amoomo kids’ top govt agenda

  10. Informanté

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu inaugurated the Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility Clinic

    Source

    “Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, during the inauguration of the Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility Clinic in the Kunene Region on Tuesday.”

    Minister Iipumbu inaugurates NCS clinic at Kaoko-Otavi

  11. Informanté

    Lucia Iipumbu stated that rendering healthcare services to inmates is a key responsibility of the NCS

    Source

    “the rendering of healthcare services to inmates is a key responsibility of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), said Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, during the inauguration of the Kaoko-Otavi Correctional Facility Clinic in the Kunene Region on Tuesday.”

    Minister Iipumbu inaugurates NCS clinic at Kaoko-Otavi
  12. September 2025

  13. The Namibian

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu pointed to serious overcrowding challenges

    Source

    “Minister Iipumbu nailed it when she pointed to "serious overcrowding challenges".”

    Self-Accountability and Scheduled AppearanceProtocol
Politics

PDM MP raises questions on police vehicle and fleet shortages

The News

A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.

Why it matters

Parliamentary questions highlight serious police operational deficiencies including vehicle shortages and suspended border patrol activities.

4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 4 June

  1. PDM MP raises questions on police vehicle and fleet shortages

    A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. Iipumbu calls for vigilance against cross-border crime in Zambezi

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu addressed regional staff in Katima Mulilo, calling for vigilance against illicit cross-border crimes while urging professionalism in facilitating lawful movement, legitimate trade, and tourism. Iipumbu is conducting a two-day working visit to the region to inspect ministerial projects and conduct border visits.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Iipumbu warns border security failures eroding public trust

    Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned that inconsistent decision-making, weak discipline and communication failures within the security cluster are eroding public trust in Namibia's frontline services. She made the remarks during a regional ministerial staff meeting in Katima Mulilo, bringing together officials from Immigration, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service to inspect border posts and ministry projects in the Zambezi region.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Border posts' failures eroding public trust, minister warns

    Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has flagged that failures at Namibia's border posts are eroding public trust in frontline services. The opinion piece argues that border infrastructure has been treated as a peripheral issue rather than a strategic priority, despite being the country's first and last point of contact with the outside world and crucial economic gateways.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Home Affairs Minister warns border officials against illegal demands

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu has warned Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ministry officials against demanding documents and imposing requirements not provided for in law at border posts.

    1 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Minister Iipumbu urges vigilance against cross-border crime in Zambezi

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu addressed Zambezi regional staff at Katima Mulilo, calling for vigilance against illicit cross-border crimes while upholding professionalism and consistent law enforcement despite operational challenges in the region.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Over 1,000 cadet constables graduate after nine-month police training

    More than 1,000 cadet constables completed their nine-month training course at the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre and paraded in Oshakati and Ongwediva ahead of Friday's graduation ceremony, where the Minister of Home Affairs will deliver the keynote address on behalf of the President.

    26 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Iipumbu warns new officers against inmate abuse amid staff shortage

    Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu urged newly graduated correctional officers to treat inmates with dignity and warned against abuse of power at the 32nd Basic Training Graduation Ceremony, where 399 recruits graduated. The Namibian Correctional Service operates at about 30% of its required staff and faces pressure from shortages, ageing facilities, and lack of specialists.

    5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. 399 graduate from Correctional Service training course

    The 32nd Basic Training Course Graduation Ceremony for Correctional Officers, Intake 1/2025, was held in Omaruru with 399 trainees graduating. Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu emphasised the Correctional Service's mandate to provide safe custody, maintain order and security, rehabilitate offenders, and prepare them for reintegration into society while maintaining professional control without cruelty or abuse.

    5 May 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 2 May

  1. Minister warns correctional officers against inmate abuse

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu told correctional officers at Oluno Correctional Facility that allegations of inmate mistreatment will trigger swift action, including transfers and disciplinary processes, stressing that correctional work requires discipline and firmness but must never involve cruelty or abuse.

    2 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 27 April

  1. Correctional officers are agents of change—Minister Iipumbu

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu addressed staff at Oluno Correctional Facility, saying correctional officers are mentors and role models who stand at the intersection of justice and rehabilitation. She emphasized that the Namibia Correctional Service must focus on transformation, skills development, education, counselling, and productive work alongside accountability.

    27 April 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 25 April

  1. Minister reports no formal drug cartels identified in Namibia

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, though police reported 359 arrests and seized drugs valued at about N$13.1 million between June and July 2025. She said government is focusing on dismantling informal criminal networks, disrupting supply chains, and targeting higher-level organisers rather than low-level offenders.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Safety minister welcomes new deputy, urges staff unity

    Safety and Immigration Minister Lucia Iipumbu welcomed newly-appointed Deputy Minister Edward Wambo and called for staff unity as the ministry tackles cross-border crime, migration pressures, and digital transformation. Wambo pledged to serve with integrity and prioritise improved security, migration support, and people-centred services.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Deputy minister pledges people-centred home affairs service

    Newly appointed deputy minister Edward Wambo has pledged to deliver efficient, accessible, and people-centred services aligned with Vision 2030, emphasizing teamwork and continuous improvement. Minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed confidence in their working relationship, saying Wambo's track record and grassroots connection will enhance the ministry's service delivery.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. Over 2,000 arrested for drug offences in 2025/26

    The Ministry of Home Affairs arrested 2,259 suspects for drug-related offences during the 2025/26 financial year, according to minister Lucia Iipumbu's budget motivation speech, which also detailed operations against trafficking, illegal immigration, and anti-poaching efforts across the country.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Easter sports tournament boosts Ruacana's local economy

    The 15th Ruacana annual Easter tournament attracted thousands of visitors and 99 teams over the weekend, drawing crowds and vendors to the small border town. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the event demonstrates how sport can unite communities and stimulate local economic growth through spending on accommodation, transport, and services, though some vendors reported police breathalyser operations near the venue discouraged customers.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 5 April

  1. President to appoint eight deputy ministers and new minister

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Namibia showcases civil registration progress to African peers

    Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu said Namibia has made significant progress in implementing its integrated, digital civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system, including e-Birth and e-Death notification systems since 2017–2018 that connect 153 facilities. The minister welcomed delegates from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for a learning visit aimed at strengthening CRVS systems across African nations to support legal identity achievement by 2030.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Namibia leads African digital health and birth registration reform

    Namibia's digital healthcare transformation, including its e-Birth and e-Death notification systems introduced since 2017, is being showcased as a model for other African countries during an Africa CDC learning visit in Windhoek. The systems, which now connect 153 health facilities and have achieved over 99% birth registration coverage, represent the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery and civil registration through technology.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 19 March

  1. Safety ministry to accelerate human trafficking action plan

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the ministry will fast-track its human trafficking action plan (2023–2027) in response to parliamentary questions about the rising issue. Between June 2024 and June 2025, six cases were recorded, with five Namibian victims repatriated from Myanmar and one from Laos, while perpetrators often target vulnerable children from rural areas.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Visa-on-arrival system generates N$413m in under year

    Namibia's visa-on-arrival system has generated over N$413 million in revenue since March 2025, with nearly 290,000 visas issued, according to Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu. The policy is part of broader immigration reforms aimed at supporting tourism, investment and economic growth while maintaining border security.

    17 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 14 March

  1. Namibia's Investment Bill Must Balance Foreign Capital and Local Benefit

    As Namibia finalises its investment promotion and facilitation bill in 2026, the government faces a balancing act: attracting global investors while ensuring meaningful economic participation for Namibians. The new law should use performance-based incentives to encourage value creation and job growth in strategic sectors like critical minerals and renewable energy, while maintaining policy clarity and ease of doing business to sustain investor confidence.

    14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. Road accidents killed 17 Namibian police officers since 2020

    The Namibian Police Force honoured 17 officers who died in the line of duty between 2020 and the present during an Interpol Blue Day ceremony, with most deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents, particularly among VIP Directorate members. Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu highlighted the need for improved working conditions, mental health support, and enhanced training to address road safety risks and other challenges facing law enforcement.

    13 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. U.S. gives Namibia timber forensic detection technology

    The United States has handed over advanced forensic equipment to Namibia's police forensic institute to identify timber species and combat illegal timber trafficking, making Namibia the only African country with this technology. The equipment, part of a broader US$8.7 million U.S. programme launched in 2020, enables law enforcement to verify shipments, detect protected wood, and provide evidence for criminal prosecutions.

    10 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 8 March

  1. US provides timber identification equipment to combat illegal trafficking

    The United States has handed over equipment for a wood identification and screening centre to Namibia's police and home affairs ministry to support investigations into illegal timber trafficking and natural resource crimes. The centre, equipped with forensic technology and training, will enable police to analyse timber samples and determine whether they were harvested legally.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government honours 17 police officers killed in line of duty

    The government on Saturday honoured 17 police officers who have died in the line of duty over the past seven years during a commemoration of International Blue Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the officers lost their lives while serving the country and protecting communities.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Minister calls timber trade a crime; forensic centre opens

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu says timber trade is a serious crime undermining lawful commerce and threatening biodiversity, not a regular trading practice. The government has launched a Wood Identification and Screening Centre in Windhoek with US support to detect illegal timber species and prosecute forest crimes using scientific methods.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia to honour fallen police officers with international remembrance

    The Namibian Police Force will join a global INTERPOL initiative on 7 March to commemorate fallen police officers, with activities in Windhoek including a street procession from Independence Stadium to the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College, the lowering of flags to half-mast, lighting of an eternal flame, and the laying of wreaths.

    7 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Opposition leader Nashinge rejects temporary government vehicle

    Official opposition leader Imms Nashinge has rejected a temporary government vehicle, citing disrespect as junior officials received new cars while he awaits a new fleet promised last year. The Ministry of Works and Transport says efforts have been made to assign a used car temporarily, but Nashinge insists the office warrants a brand new vehicle.

    24 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 23 February

  1. Justice Minister urges urgent security protection for magistrates and prosecutors

    Namibia's Justice Minister Filemon Wise Immanuel has urgently requested residential security protection for all magistrates and prosecutors following the death of Magistrate Justine Shiweda and rising threats against judicial officers in Grootfontein and Ondangwa. Immanuel warned that attacks on judges threaten the independence of the justice system and emphasised that financial constraints cannot delay protecting those who administer justice.

    23 February 2026 · New Era →

Lucia Iipumbu — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute