Africa-Press – Namibia. STATION commanders have been requested to ensure that their subordinates who are stationed at police holding cells do not collude with inmates to smuggle goods into prisons.
This call was made by Police boss, Inspector General Sebastain Ndeitunga, during the handover of the Oshakati Vehicle Clearance Office, the Oshakati Police Filling Station and the Ongwediva Police Holding cells at Oshakati on Friday.
The newly inaugurated holding cells at Ongwediva were constructed at a cost of N$11 million and consist of three holding cells for male suspects, female suspects and juveniles.
Ndeitunga said police officers were supposed to make sure that suspects in holding cells are properly taken care of, and not to assist them smuggle items into cells.
Ndeitunga then sent out a stern warning to those police officers who are part of smuggle syndicates to resign immediately as they do not belong in the force.
“Last week I received a report that illegal items were found in the holding cells at Oshakati. These include cellphones, sharp objects and drugs,” he said.
Ndeitunga added that he is sure that some police officers are facilitating these crimes for self enrichment. Furthermore, he indicated that the construction of the Ongwediva holding cells is aimed at reducing overcrowding at the Oshakati holding cells.
“The police cells at Oshakati are overcrowded, to the extent that basic human rights and freedom are not considered,” he said.
Ndeitunga pointed out that there is a notable challenge of dilapidated police holding cells across the country, which are putting the health of inmates at risk. There are currently over 70 suspects from Ongwediva detained at the Oshakati holding cells.
