Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
February 2026
Informanté
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the national spokesperson of the Namibian Police Forceconfirmedarrest of a 41-year-old suspect in connection with death of Regina Kondombolo
Source
“Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the national spokesperson of the Namibian Police Force, has confirmed the arrest of a 41-year-old suspect in connection with the death of Regina Kondombolo (33), whose body was found in Otjomuise Extension 2 on Monday.”
Namibian Police Forcehave intensifiedcrime prevention efforts against child rape
Source
“The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) have intensified crime prevention efforts, as rape cases involving minors continue to drive public concern over gender-based violence.”
Namibian Police Forceexpressed concern overa music video circulating on social media platforms
Source
“THE Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) has expressed concern over a music video circulating on social media platforms and wishes to distance itself from the video, despite the visible police logo appearing in it.”
Namibian Police Forcereported11 suspects arrested after assault during land dispute
Source
“According to Namibian Police Force (NamPol) spokesperson and head of community policing Kisco Sitali, the incident began when a 39-year-old man confronted the 58-year-old man to question why he was ploughing in a disputed field.”
Namibian Police Forcecommended forcontinued efforts and professionalism in investigation
Source
“We commend and sincerely thank the Namibian Police Force for their continued efforts, professionalism, and dedication throughout this complex investigation.”
Namibian Police Forcereceived commendation from Namdia forcontinued efforts and professionalism in investigation
Source
“She, in conclusion, commended and sincerely thanked the Namibian Police Force for their continued efforts, professionalism and dedication throughout the complex investigation.”
Namibian Police Forcecalled onparents, guardians, teachers and public to exercise heightened vigilance as schools reopen
Source
“THE Namibian Police Force has called on parents, guardians, teachers and the public to exercise heightened vigilance as schools reopen for the new academic year, warning of safety risks around school premises and an increase in fraud scams linked to school placements and accommodation.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Namibian Policeacting 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.