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March 2026
Informanté
The Namibian Police Force (Nampol)will joinpolice forces around the world in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers
Source
“THE Namibian Police Force (Nampol) will on Saturday join police forces around the world in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers, with a series of activities planned in Windhoek to honour officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.”
The Namibian Police Force (NamPol)recordedthree deaths over the weekend from lightning strikes
Source
“The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recorded three deaths over the weekend after three people were reportedly struck by lightning in separate incidents.”
Namibian Police Forceraised concern overtroubling rise in road crashes and fatalities since beginning of year
Source
“THE Namibian Police Force has raised concern over a troubling rise in road crashes and fatalities recorded since the beginning of the year, warning that dangerous driving behaviour continues to claim lives and devastate families across the country.”
Namibian Police Forcesaidstatistics for 1 January to 22 February 2026 show 391 crashes, 694 injuries, 66 fatalities
Source
“In a media statement issued, the police said statistics for the period 1 January to 22 February 2026 show that 391 crashes were recorded, resulting in 694 injuries and 66 fatalities.”
Namibian Police Force spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambireported that the suspectshot the victim and was arrested, firearm confiscated
Source
“According to a crime report issued by Namibian Police Force spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the incident occurred around 23h00 on Friday.”
Namibian Police Forceconfiscateddrugs and illicit substances worth N$2.5 million
Source
“During the raids, police confiscated drugs and other illicit substances with an estimated street value of N$2.5 million, while a total of 178 cases have been registered throughout the region.”
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.
Why it matters
The Home Affairs Minister warns that border security failures are eroding public trust in frontline services, highlighting governance challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Police Women Network in Oshana Region marked its 16th year as the Namibian Police Force continues efforts to promote gender equality and women's advancement in its ranks. Oshana has 625 female police officers and now includes two female deputy commissioners in strategic roles, alongside numerous female chief inspectors and station commanders.
Namibia's government has begun phased implementation of Vision April 2026, an initiative to transform public healthcare by improving accessibility, quality and citizen confidence. The programme, which mandates senior government officials to use public facilities starting April 2024, includes infrastructure upgrades, N$239 million in medical equipment procurement and recruitment of 2,307 health workers, with expansion to additional facilities planned for 2027.
Namibian Police intercepted a vehicle at the Noordoewer border post on Friday and recovered 104 parcels of skunk cannabis valued at N$5.4 million hidden in its compartments. The suspected driver, a Namibian male, fled the scene when border officials detected the contraband, and investigations are ongoing.
A culpable homicide case has been registered after Omaheke regional police commander Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze struck a pedestrian in Witvlei on 4 April. The victim, Otto Giovani Daniel, aged 23, was killed in the collision; police say he was walking in the middle of the road at the time, and investigations are ongoing.
Namibia's Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order preventing those accused in the Fishrot corruption case from accessing forfeited assets, rejecting an appeal by former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo. The court found that the Anti-Corruption Commission had proper authority to conduct the investigation and that the restraint order remains valid pending the outcome of the criminal trial, which is scheduled to recommence in March 2026.
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.
Livestock theft in Namibia's Zambezi region reached N$4.2 million in 2025, with rustlers suspected to be from Zambia raiding farms along the Kamenga-Liselo border. Police recorded 149 cases and arrested 35 suspects, though recovery rates remain low, and authorities warn some rustlers are armed and have insider knowledge of local cattle posts.
The Namibian Police Force has appealed for assistance in finding 27-year-old Taleinge Shiyukifeni Natangwe, missing since 25 December 2025 from Okahandja Park in Katutura, and 22-year-old Beata Matheus, last seen on 9 March 2026 at Okuryangava Stop-and-Shop bus stop. Family efforts to locate both individuals have been unsuccessful, and police are requesting anyone with information to contact Detective Inspector Sinvula.
Namibian Police in Khomas Region are appealing for public assistance in locating 26-year-old Romeo Ronald Nuseb, who was last seen in Katutura on 18 March 2026 and was reportedly travelling to Oranjemund for a job opportunity but never arrived. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Senior Inspector Christoph or his mother Sylvia at provided phone numbers.
The Namibian Police Force has issued a public safety appeal for the upcoming national holidays in March, April, and May, calling on residents and visitors to drive responsibly, avoid speeding and alcohol-impaired driving, and exercise caution. Inspector General Lt Gen Joseph Shikongo said the force will intensify operations nationwide to maintain law and order.
Puma Energy Namibia has filed an urgent court application seeking restoration of its access and control over fuel facilities at Eros and Ondangwa Airports, which it claims were unlawfully seized by Namibia Airports Company and other respondents on 11 March. NAC argues the matter does not warrant urgent intervention and that it followed proper procurement procedures in awarding fuel supply services to competitor Central Oil Namibia.
Police in Omusati are investigating the death of a 22-month-old boy who was allegedly smothered with sand by his two-year-old twin cousins while under minimal supervision in Ogongo constituency. No arrests have been made because the suspects are minors.
Namibia's ruling party has filed a High Court application seeking removal of repatriated veterans who set up camp outside SWAPO's Windhoek headquarters, demanding release of funds and benefits allegedly promised over three decades ago. SWAPO's Secretary General said the party has found no UN documents proving funds were paid to SWAPO for distribution to returning exiles, and cited health and environmental hazards from the occupation.
The Namibian police force reported several drug-related arrests over the weekend, including suspects caught in possession and dealing of cannabis and mandrax tablets across towns including Lüderitz, Khorixas, Rehoboth, Kamanjab, Keetmanshoop, and Windhoek. NamPol spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi called on Namibians to partner with police to curb drug abuse and trafficking, which she described as a threat to youth, families, and communities.
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.
The Namibian Police Force in Erongo is searching for three women wanted in connection with fraud and money laundering involving N$280,410 in Swakopmund. The suspects are believed to be in Windhoek, and police are appealing for public assistance in locating them.
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.
A light aircraft crashed near the Gobabeb Research Centre on Wednesday evening, killing researcher Alan Wilson and pilot Neil Thomas Oakman. The two had taken off to search for animal collars in the dunes as part of oryx research in the Namib.
New Era crime briefs report multiple rape cases in Zambezi region courts, including cases involving minors, with accused persons remanded in custody and investigations ongoing.