Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Donald Matthys
Published on 2024-03-04 14:53:28
Home affairs, immigration, safety, and security minister Albert Kawana addressed the issue of unsolved cases in Namibia, stating that 4,377 cases are still under investigation by the Namibian Police due to a lack of resources and manpower. Kawana highlighted financial constraints, manpower shortages, and logistical challenges as the primary reasons for the delays in resolving these cases.
According to Kawana, Khomas has the highest number of unsolved cases, with a total of 2,736, followed by Oshana with 319, Otjozondjupa with 221, Ohangwena with 210, Oshikoto with 148, Kavango East with 132, Omusati with 128, and other regions with varying numbers of pending cases. He mentioned that some cases are delayed because forensic results are sent to internationally certified laboratories outside Namibia, leading to further delays in the investigation process.
Kawana also emphasized the need for specialized training for investigators in areas such as domestic violence, financial crime, and human trafficking. However, he highlighted a significant challenge where qualified investigators are often poached by other institutions, such as financial companies, resulting in a lack of skilled personnel within the police force, ultimately impacting the efficiency of service delivery.
The consequences of the lack of expertise within the police force are significant, leading to delays in investigations, increased workloads, cases being struck from court rolls, inadequate communication with victims or complainants, and a rise in the court backlog, putting strain on the justice system. To address these challenges, the ministry is implementing measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of police investigations, including recruitments, rigorous supervision, monitoring and control of court dockets, general case docket inspections, the introduction of scientific investigation techniques, and incentives such as team-building activities and awards.
Kawana expressed optimism that the situation would improve with the training of police officers that began the previous year, with the expectation that trainees would graduate in May of the current year before the next intake is brought onboard. The issue of prolonged police investigations was also raised by Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Reggie Diergaardt, who emphasized the importance of resolving cases in a timely manner to safeguard citizens’ safety.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by the Namibian Police in solving cases requires concerted efforts to provide adequate resources, manpower, and training to enhance the efficiency of police investigations. By implementing measures to address the underlying issues, the ministry aims to improve the overall effectiveness of the police force and deliver justice to the citizens of Namibia in a timely manner.
Read the original article on The Namibian
