Africa-Press – Namibia. Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu this week confirmed 52 criminal cases committed within police holding cells.
They include 17 incidents of extortion, 24 cases of sodomy or rape and 11 cases involving the smuggling of contraband into police holding cells, with the highest number reported during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Iipumbu was responding to questions raised by Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Vilho Ihemba.
His questions are purportedly driven by mounting concerns from communities and civil society organisations, who have alleged abuse and criminal activity inside police holding facilities.
“This is not speculation. We have material evidence to support these claims, and these corrupt tendencies have seriously eroded public trust in the police,” she stated.
While the figures provide official acknowledgement, lawmakers noted that each case represents a detainee whose rights and dignity may have been violated while under state protection.
Addressing Parliament, the minister said the ministry has implemented measures aimed at preventing abuse and criminal activity in holding cells.
“The regions are maintaining a proactive approach through regular cell searches to eliminate contraband,” she said, adding that police officers who attempt to smuggle prohibited items into holding cells are closely monitored and dealt with accordingly.
In response, Iipumbu said seized contraband, including dangerous objects and wires, are destroyed to ensure the safety of detainees, while any cash found during searches is deposited into the state bank account.
Officers implicated in such activities, she said, face disciplinary action under Regulation 15 of the Police Act.
However, Ihemba cautioned that confirmation alone is not enough and called for decisive, long-term reforms to restore public confidence.
“These are very serious crimes,” he said.
“We need urgent and permanent solutions because behind every statistic is a citizen whose life and dignity have been affected,” he stated.
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