By Confidente Reporter
A Namibian Police Force officer was last Friday arrested for attempting to extort money from a suspect under police investigation. It however remains unclear what the officer was offering the suspect in exchange for the money.
The cop, who is a member of the Protected Resources Unit in Oshakati was arrested at Okahao in the Omusati region and charged with violating the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as other statutory provisions relating to bribery.
Nampol’s spokesperson, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi confirmed the case saying the officer attempted to extort money from a civilian who the Unit is investigating.
Shikwambi said that the officer would soon appear in court.
There have been numerous reports in the local media of law enforcement officers that had been arrested for one or more criminal offences. Commentators said that the offences are undoubtedly jolting and reflect a betrayal by police officers entrusted to maintain law.
In its 2014/2015 annual report, Nampol revealed that 1464 criminal cases were opened against police officers. According to the report, the cases range from minor such as negligent driving to more serious matters including assault and unreasonable use of firearms on unarmed civilians.
Of the 1464 cases, 635 were registered in the Khomas region, 112 in Otjozondjupa while 110 were recorded in the Oshana region. The current statistics however showed a decrease from 2075 cases recorded in the 2013/2014 financial year.
Last week, Nampol’s Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi revealed that two police officers – warrant officer Ananias Shivute Iita and Sergeant Erwin Kavela Nestor were arrested in Ongwediva on charges of soliciting bribes.
Kanguatjivi said that the bribe started when the duo reportedly stopped a man on a motorbike that was not roadworthy and had no license. The officers appeared in the Oshakati Magistrates Court where they were granted N$1 000 bail each.
In March, at least five police officers were arrested when they robbed a Chinese Shop in Windhoek’s Okuryangava informal settlement at Olyeeta Shopping Centre. They got away with cash.
Last year September, another two police officers from Aminius Police station were arrested for stock theft at Mariental.
Nampol’s Inspector General, Sebastian Ndeitunga on several occasions stressed that such activities tarnishes the good image and reputation of the force.