Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 24 July 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Namibian Police Force

Also known as: Namibia Police · The Namibian Police Force

Law enforcement agency responsible for policing, criminal investigations, border security operations, and public safety across Namibia.

2025-01-152026-07-24

What’s been said

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

  1. May 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha (Namibian Police Force) stated that Nakangombe was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer responding to a complaint he was terrorising community members with a panga

    Source

    According to the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, Nakangombe was allegedly shot and killed at about 08h30 on Monday morning by a police officer who came to investigate a report from some community members that he was terrorising them at a taxi rank while armed with a panga.

    IPC condemns alleged fatal shooting of person with mental condition
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Namibian Police Force has faced public confusion and vacuum of credible information surrounding the suspension of its inspector general

    Source

    The suspension of Namibia's inspector general of police, lieutenant general Joseph Shikongo, for a period of 12 months has triggered precisely the kind of public confusion that should concern every serious institution of state.

    Silence at the top breeds mistrust at the bottom
  4. April 2026
  5. Informanté

    Namibian Police Force continues to show commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women in its ranks

    Source

    the Namibian Police Force continues to show commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women in its ranks.

    Police women break barriers to reach the top
  6. New Era

    Namibian Police Force (NamPol) opened case of dealing in prohibited dependence-producing drugs

    Source

    The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the //Kharas region has opened a case of dealing in prohibited dependence-producing drugs after it uncovered and seized drugs worth N$5.4 million at the Noordoewer border post on Friday.

    Over N$5m drug bust at Noordoewer
  7. New Era

    NamPol uncovered and seized drugs worth N$5.4 million at Noordoewer border post

    Source

    The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the //Kharas region has opened a case of dealing in prohibited dependence-producing drugs after it uncovered and seized drugs worth N$5.4 million at the Noordoewer border post on Friday.

    Over N$5m drug bust at Noordoewer
  8. New Era

    Namibian Police Force registered a case of culpable homicide following motor vehicle accident at Witvlei on 4 April 2026

    Source

    A case of culpable homicide was registered following the motor vehicle accident that occurred at Witvlei on 4 April 2026 in the Omaheke region.

    Tjiveze in culpable homicide case
  9. New Era

    Namibian Police Force was deployed across the town to ensure visitor safety

    Source

    Security during the tournament remained tight, with the Namibian Police Force deployed across the town to ensure the safety of visitors.

    Ruacana economy boosted by Easter sports tournament
  10. New Era

    Namibian Police Force (NamPol) revealed staggering livestock theft losses running into millions in Zambezi

    Source

    Latest statistics from the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in Zambezi reveal staggering losses running into millions of Namibian dollars.

    Zambezi: Rustlers steal N$4.2m worth livestock
  11. March 2026
  12. Informanté

    Namibian Police Force appealed for public assistance in locating two missing persons in Katutura

    Source

    THE Namibian Police Force in the Khomas Region has appealed to the public for assistance in locating two missing persons who were last seen in separate incidents in Katutura.

    Missing man, woman last seen in Katutura
  13. Informanté

    Namibian Police Force appealed to the public for assistance in locating Romeo Ronald Nuseb, a 26-year-old man reported missing

    Source

    THE Namibian Police Force in the Khomas Region has appealed to the public for assistance in locating a 26-year-old man, Romeo Ronald Nuseb, who was reported missing after he was last seen in Katutura earlier this month.

    Police seek public’s help to locate missing Katutura man
Agriculture & Land

Namibian police recover 17 cattle stolen from Botswana

The News

Joint operations by Namibian Police and community members in the Zambezi region recovered 17 head of cattle suspected stolen from Botswana, with one arrest made. The recoveries highlight concerns that Namibia is being used as a transit route by cattle rustlers moving livestock from Botswana to Zambia.

23 July 2026 · New Era

Yesterday

  1. Namibian police recover 17 cattle stolen from Botswana

    Joint operations by Namibian Police and community members in the Zambezi region recovered 17 head of cattle suspected stolen from Botswana, with one arrest made. The recoveries highlight concerns that Namibia is being used as a transit route by cattle rustlers moving livestock from Botswana to Zambia.

    23 July 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Police seek public help locating two wanted suspects

    The Namibian Police Force is appealing for public assistance to locate two suspects wanted in connection with criminal cases in Windhoek: Aubrey !Nobangu Geiseb, wanted in connection with alleged theft under false pretence involving N$180,000, and Martina Astopher, wanted in connection with theft of a motor vehicle.

    22 July 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Police seek help locating missing 21-year-old Windhoek man

    The Namibian Police Force is seeking public assistance to locate 21-year-old Erick Tueya Delton Chipawa, reported missing from Windhoek after failing to arrive as expected. Chipawa was last known to be in Swakopmund on 7 July 2026, where he told his brother via SMS he would travel to Windhoek the next day but has not been seen since.

    21 July 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 16 July

  1. Ministry identifies 373 street-connected children in 2023

    The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare identified 373 children living and working on the streets in 2023 and plans to conduct a regional study this year to determine actual numbers and social and economic factors driving children to street life. The Khomas region recorded the highest number of street-connected children.

    16 July 2026 · New Era

Thursday 9 July

  1. High Court reserves judgment in police assault civil case

    The High Court has reserved judgment in a N$1.6 million civil lawsuit brought by an inmate who alleges he was assaulted by members of the Namibian Police Force, the Namibian Defence Force, and anti-poaching officers following his arrest near Otavi in 2023. Justice Marelize Du Plessis postponed the matter to 23 July 2026 for judgment delivery.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 2 July

  1. Kunene Region crime rate falls 15% in 2024–2025

    Crime in Kunene Region decreased from 2,683 reported cases in 2024 to 2,282 in 2025, a reduction of 401 cases or 15%, according to the regional governor. The downward trend has continued into 2026, with major crime categories including assault, housebreaking, robbery, and rape all declining between 2025 and 2026.

    2 July 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 30 June

  1. NAC launches first aviation security training after ASTO certification

    The Namibia Airports Company has launched its first Basic Aviation Security Training Course following certification as an Aviation Security Training Organisation. The course, running from 29 June to 14 July 2026 in Windhoek, brings together 50 participants including 29 police officers and 21 NAC employees to enhance airport and aviation infrastructure protection.

    30 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 29 June

  1. Rundu prepared to host close to 5,000 Public Enterprises Games participants

    Rundu Town Council has fulfilled its preparations for the Public Enterprises Games, with the town ready to host close to 5,000 participants. The council has provided logistical support including accommodation arrangements and facility access, with most accommodation establishments already fully booked.

    29 June 2026 · New Era

Friday 26 June

  1. Khomas Region recorded 3,396 crime cases in eight months

    The Khomas Regional Governor announced that the region recorded 3,396 cases across priority crime categories between August 2025 and February 2026, with housebreaking and motor vehicle theft being the most common offences, followed by drug-related crimes, domestic violence, and murder. During the same period, drugs valued at N$15.88 million were seized and 262 suspects were arrested on drug-related charges, though the governor noted the Namibian Police Force faces staffing shortages and equipment gaps.

    26 June 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Crime and sexual violence cases decline 13% and 12% in Oshana

    Oshana Region reported a 13% reduction in overall crime and 12% reduction in rape, domestic violence and sexual violence cases between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years, with overall reported crime decreasing from 11,804 to 10,267 cases and sexual violence cases declining from 759 to 670, though delayed reporting remains a challenge to accessing justice.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Police seek public help locating motor vehicle theft suspect

    The Namibian Police Force in Khomas Region is appealing for public assistance in locating Gabriel Shigwedha Shivute, wanted in connection with a motor vehicle theft case registered at Katutura Police Station. Shivute was last known to be at Goreangab Dam Location in Windhoek.

    23 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Police appeal for public help locating two missing Windhoek men

    The Namibian Police Force in Khomas Region is seeking public assistance to locate two missing men: 33-year-old Immauel Eixab, last seen in October 2022 at Academia dumping site, and 38-year-old Samuel Tomas, last seen on 7 March 2026 at B L Service Station in Katutura. Members of the public with information are urged to contact Detective Senior Inspector Sinvula.

    23 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. Namibian police helicopter rescues 68 tourists from flooded canyon

    Rising water levels in the Fish River Canyon left 96 tourists stranded, with many exit points blocked. The Namibian Police Force used a helicopter to airlift 68 hikers from various points in the canyon on 22 June 2026, with all rescued without injuries.

    23 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 15 June

  1. Over 4,300 criminal cases recorded in //Kharas Region, 41% clearance rate

    The //Kharas Regional Governor reported that 4,300 criminal cases were recorded between April 2025 and March 2026, with a 41% clearance rate. Contributing factors cited include alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, and greed, while stock theft, money-laundering, and drug-related crimes were among major offences during the period.

    15 June 2026 · Informanté

Friday 12 June

  1. Police warn public against AI-generated content with police uniforms

    The Namibian Police Force has cautioned the public against creating and sharing AI-generated social media content depicting individuals in police uniforms or using replicas of its insignia, warning such material can mislead the public, damage the institution's reputation, and has potential legal consequences.

    12 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 11 June

  1. Police warns public against AI-generated police uniform content

    Namibian Police acting inspector general Anne-Marie Nainda says the force has noted circulation of AI-generated images on social media depicting officers in replica police uniforms, and warns that such content contradicting the police mandate could tarnish the force's image and may have serious legal repercussions.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 10 June

  1. NAMPOL seizes drugs, arrests 143 suspects in May operations

    Namibian Police seized 223,194.55 kilograms of cannabis, 917.75 Mandrax tablets, 579 units of crack cocaine, 19 grams of cocaine powder, and 44 abortion tablets, and arrested 143 suspects (134 Namibian nationals and nine foreign nationals) between 1 and 31 May 2026 as part of drug-combating operations.

    10 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Omusati police chief urges professionalism from 86 new constables

    Omusati Regional Commander Commissioner Ismael Basson addressed 86 newly trained police constables deployed to the region, reminding them to conduct themselves professionally both on and off duty and to detain suspects lawfully without resorting to assault or abuse. Basson also called on senior officers to mentor and support the recruits.

    10 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. 670 police cadets graduate with female majority for first time

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged newly graduated cadet constables from the Namibian Police Force to uphold integrity, professionalism and respect for human rights. The cohort of 670 comprised 382 women and 288 men, marking the first time female graduates outnumbered male counterparts in the training programme's history.

    10 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 1 June

  1. 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

Wednesday 20 May

  1. PM Ngurare defends President Nandi-Ndaitwah's right to full two terms

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah should be allowed to serve her full two constitutional terms without distraction from succession debates, which he called premature and deliberately designed to undermine the administration.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 18 May

  1. Nampol dismisses activist's claims of inmate food shortages

    The Namibian Police Force has rejected allegations by social justice activist Michael Amushelelo that trial-awaiting inmates at Otjomuise Police Station have gone weeks without food. Nampol spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi stated that inmates receive meals three times per day and acknowledged occasional challenges with quantities or supplier delays, while noting that families are permitted to bring food during designated visiting days.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Police denies cover-up allegations in Okondjatu shooting

    Namibian Police Force denied allegations of concealing details about a shooting incident at Okondjatu settlement on 4 May in Otjozondjupa region, where officers shot and injured a suspect armed with a machete in what police described as self-defence. The incident has renewed public debate around police use of force and the credibility of internal investigations.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Police denies cover-up claim over officer shooting incident

    The Namibian Police Force has rejected allegations by activist Michael Amushelelo that it attempted to conceal a shooting incident at Okondjatu Settlement on 4 May 2026. According to police, officers shot a suspect in the leg and abdominal area after he attacked them with a machete during an arrest attempt; the suspect is in stable condition and an attempted murder case has been registered.

    18 May 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 12 May

  1. IPC condemns fatal shooting of man with mental illness

    The Independent Patriots for Change condemned the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old man from Oshana region at Otjiwarongo, calling the killing a citizen with mental illness who needed medical attention. The party called for an independent investigation and the establishment of an independent police complaints authority, arguing police should not investigate their own conduct.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 8 May

  1. Suspension of police inspector general leaves public confused

    The 12-month suspension of Namibia's inspector general of police, lieutenant general Joseph Shikongo, has created a vacuum of official information, allowing rumors to proliferate about alleged breaches at State House and other unverified claims. The Windhoek Observer editorial argues that the lack of clear, timely communication from top officials has bred public confusion and mistrust.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 7 May

  1. Venaani defends President's constitutional authority to hire and fire

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations, in response to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo. Venaani argued that leaders make key decisions based on sensitive information unavailable to the public.

    7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Major General Anne-Marie Nainda appointed acting police inspector general

    Major General Anne-Marie Nainda has been appointed Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force for one year, effective immediately, replacing Joseph Shikongo. She brings decades of experience in national and international policing, including roles as Deputy Inspector-General, INTERPOL Executive Committee member representing Africa, and previous assignments in regional command and INTERPOL specialized positions.

    6 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Opposition groups criticise political dominance at national commemoration events

    Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 5 May

  1. President appoints Major General Nainda as Acting Inspector General

    President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Major General Anne-Marie Nainda as Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, effective immediately, for a one-year term. She replaces Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo and is described as a seasoned law enforcement professional with extensive experience in senior command roles.

    5 May 2026 · Informanté

Namibian Police Force — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute