On the spot – Shikongo: I have no political ambitions

New Era reporter Loide Jason (LJ) sat with the inspector general (IG) of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo (JS), on Wednesday to discuss an array of issues, including his recent trips to China and the United States of America (USA), his tenure at the helm of the police, his retirement and his tireless campaigns to secure a top spot for deputy inspector general for administration Anne-Marie Nainda at Interpol.

LJ: We are interested in your recent trips to China and the USA, and would like to learn more about the insights and experiences you gained. What was the primary purpose of your recent visits?

JS: My recent visits to the People’s Republic of China and the USA, including the United Nations (UN) headquarters, had very clear objectives.

I visited China at the invitation of the Chinese Minister of Public Security. This invitation was inspired by the visit of a Chinese delegation hosted by the Namibian Police Force in 2023. Our focus was on areas of cooperation and learning how China, with its massive population of 1.4 billion, manages its crime situation. I’m pleased that you, Loide, who lived in China for a year, can attest to public safety, particularly in Beijing.

In Beijing, with a population of 30 million, I didn’t notice any reported crime during my time there. We visited a law-enforcement centre to observe how Chinese police handle offenders and crime victims. 

We also explored their smart city concepts and systems in Beijing and other cities. Our visit included three Chinese cities, and we found the public safety and smart city initiatives to be consistent across all of them.

Additionally, we wanted to understand how they deal with transnational organised crime, which is a growing concern, as China is also a member of Interpol, and Namibia is an executive member. 

So, we have a collaboration at a national and international level. 

Our visit to China was an opportunity to assess and learn from their experiences. My delegation and I travelled to China on 20 June, and subsequently to the USA on 24th June. The latter trip was at the invitation of the UN under the Secretariat of Peacekeeping Operations. I attended the UNiCoPP summit, a gathering of police chiefs from around the world, held in New York City, to discuss international policing issues.

Both meetings were highly- successful. Other police representatives presented best practices in police services, allowing for valuable knowledge exchange and programme development. 

This interaction with other police chiefs was beneficial for me as IG, enhancing my understanding of policing practices.

LJ: Can you elaborate on the specific areas of policing and modern policing that you discussed with your Chinese and USA counterparts? 

JS: In China, we reviewed various areas of cooperation, including peace and security, capacity-building and smart city concepts. We discussed specific areas of collaboration with the Chinese, but I did not engage the American officials.

We also covered various aspects of information exchange. I engaged in bilateral meetings with police representatives from Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Belgium and Turkey. 

These discussions centred on the candidacy of our executive member Anne-Marie Nainda for the Interpol vice president position. 

Currently held by a Nigerian Interpol member, this position is crucial for Africa’s representation within Interpol.

LJ: Were there any significant agreements reached during your trips?

JS: We did not sign any significant agreements during these meetings. That is an issue that has to do with the legal framework. There are procedures to follow before signing agreements. Those procedures involve identifying areas of potential cooperation, consulting with our legal teams, and ultimately submitting proposals to the Attorney General for clearance and scrutiny.

While we didn’t sign new agreements, the Namibian Police already has several existing agreements with various countries, including Rwanda.

LJ: How would the knowledge and experiences gained from this trip benefit the Namibian Police?

JS: It will benefit Namibian police in so many ways. We will implement modern police practices that we learned during the summit at UN. We also used the opportunity to strengthen our campaign. We focused on the fact that the Namibian police have a candidate for vice president. 

Both Namibia and Egypt have delegates vying for the position, making it a competitive race within Africa. I held side talks with police chiefs from various countries to seek support for our candidate. The tenure of the vice president is coming to an end in November. The term of office for the president of Africa is nearing its end. In November 2024, the African Union will hold its General Summit in UK, where the election of a new president will take place.

LJ: You are nearing retirement after a distinguished career. What are your proudest moments or accomplishments as inspector general of the Namibian Police?

JS: As inspector general of police, I am proud of my contributions and service throughout my career. I am grateful for the support I received, marked by consistent service and promotion. While my ambition was not to become an inspector general of the Namibian Police, I embraced the role and served diligently. 

I am prepared for whatever comes next, and am open to new opportunities. Yes, I am committed to my duties and responsibilities. I have become the IG of the Namibian Police since September 2020. I served two years, and I am turning 60 on 18 September. Usually, in the Public Service Act, I am supposed to retire but the position of the Namibian Police is based on the president because he is my appointing authority. 

I can’t talk about my retirement now, as I did not hear anything from my appointing authority. As any Namibian who reached 60, I am equally prepared for anything that comes.  I served in different portfolios within Namibian Police since I joined in 2000.   

I am pleased with the progress and success achieved. Performance is key, and it is important to listen to feedback, and adapt to changes. I have focused on improving the organisation, and addressing various challenges. 

Despite budget constraints, we have made significant progress in recruitment and training. We recruited over 2 000 police officers during my tenure, and converted 100 additional personnel from civilian roles. I inherited a solid foundation from the founding inspector generals. 

As the fifth IG of the Namibian Police, I followed in the footsteps of my predecessors, particularly the previous two. Lieutenant general Lucas Hangula was there for 10 years, and lieutenant general Sebastian Ndeitunga was at the helm for 17 years. 

During that period, I was able to consolidate the unity of the police officers, starting from the senior leadership to the constables. We focused on training officers in ethical leadership, and promoting members’ welfare. Almost 8 000 have sent out letters to the regional commanders, announcing the promotions within the police to another bunch of the police.  Members were promoted from different levels, and we emphasised community policing, including the recruitment of reservists. 

We continue to work on promotions, and addressing the needs of our officers. As we speak right now, I have implemented several initiatives to improve the police force  and address challenges. We are constructing new police stations and improving existing facilities. We have added new stations, and upgraded existing ones to better serve the community. We will continue to improve police facilities and infrastructure. 

The police accommodation will be accommodating 1000 police officers. 

LJ: What was your most difficult moment as an officer?

JS: Four months into my role, I faced a tragic accident, involving my vehicle. The situation was made worse by public speculation and accusations. This was the first accident in my life, and it was incredibly painful, especially as young lives were lost. 

I have experienced various forms of intimidation, even while receiving medical treatment. I underwent four surgeries, and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the accident. 

However, as a leader, one must face difficult challenges, and with time, they will pass. 

What makes it difficult for me is that people have started prosecuting me through public opinion. I am a person just like any other person, and I am not immune to anything. Why would I be judged based on public opinion? They should leave it in the hands of the law. Some of the families decided to take the traditional legal way of resolving the matter. 

When I just got out of the ICU, I was informed that certain people were looking for me.

LJ: What are the biggest challenges facing the Namibian Police Force today, and what advice would you give to your successor?

JS: Well, challenges are there, but they are minimal now. They had arisen due to a lack of vehicles and manpower in some areas. We appreciate the current recruitment, which will address the manpower shortage. 

Training is crucial for effective police work. When I took office, there was a significant manpower shortage, with the last substantial recruitment occurring in 2023/2014.  We have addressed this issue, as in 2023, we recruited 1 600 recruits, while in 2024, we recruited over
1 300.  Border posts were often staffed by only two or three officers due to retirements.  Resource shortages, such as vehicles, were another challenge. We addressed these issues by recruiting new officers and purchasing over 100 new vehicles, with N$92 million allocated by the central government.  This year, we received an additional N$98 million for vehicles. We are grateful for
support in overcoming these challenges.

LJ: What are your retirement plans, and how will you continue contributing to the community and the country?

JS: I am preparing for business – farming, and I can go to the University of Namibia to lecture. With 40 years of experience, I have a lot of experience and knowledge to offer to these sectors – not as an academician, but as someone with extensive experience. 

LJ: If they served you a plate of politics, would you eat it? 

JS: Ha-ha… Well, you know, Loide, as a former child of the liberation struggle, I grew up surrounded by politics, and I even hold a diploma in political science, though I don’t make much noise about it. I want to tell you that I currently have no political ambitions. But if the opportunity arises, God forbid – and it happens naturally, as my things usually do without me asking, I might just take it and run with it. 

LJ: There has been public concern about the alleged inflated costs of recently- constructed roadblocks. Can you address these concerns, and provide details about the budgeting and procurement processes?

JS: As IG of the Namibian Police, I am very pleased today to announce that the long-standing request from our police officers as well as the public to provide shade for the officers has finally been addressed. Additionally, we have secured funding for the Okapuka road, where a modern roadblock will be constructed at a cost of N$20 million.

There have been complaints about the costs of two other roadblocks: one in Oshiko, Oshana region, which was constructed for N$12 million, and another in Onhuno, which cost N$8 million, as it was a pilot project. The question often raised is: why do the costs differ? The answer lies in the improvements made in the second project, based on lessons learned from the first. Both roadblocks were built with essential facilities, including toilets, kitchens and other amenities.

We followed all the procurement processes, presented the proposal to Parliament, and received approval from all relevant offices involved in the country’s procurement entities. I encourage members of the public seeking information to visit our offices, and ask for clarification. Those who initially complained about the costs, after visiting the sites, have called back to acknowledge the validity of the expenses. These infrastructures were built with strong concrete foundations to ensure durability and longevity.

LJ: How does the Namibian Police justify the expenditure on roadblocks to other policing priorities, such as improving the livelihood of the lower-ranked police officers?

JS: I’m not sure which priorities are being referred to, but roadblocks are also a priority. As for the lower-ranked officers, I’m not sure what you mean. We have many unemployed people in this country, who are lowly-paid, including cleaners. During Covid-19, while many were losing their jobs, public servants were asking for salary increases. 

Last year, when we advertised for 1 000 recruits, we received 45 000 applications from qualified but unemployed Namibians. This year, we aimed to recruit 1 600, and we received 46 000 applications. Those of us who are employed should consider ourselves lucky.

Promotions are not just decorations. They come with responsibilities, command, control and specific tasks. I don’t know if you know the exact salaries of our police officers, but I’m not saying they earn enough. I understand the challenges and the high cost of living in this country. However, the adjustment of constable salaries is not a police issue. It falls under public service management. Constables are in a specific pay grade. Promotions are also a priority, which is why we’ve addressed the rank gap between warrant officer 1 and chief inspector to improve the welfare of Namibian officers.

Additionally, we’ve seen a high number of resignations. Last year, I managed to bring back 27 police officers who had resigned. On my desk now, I have several applications from officers who resigned in July, and are already requesting to return to service. I’m in the process of reviewing these applications. I am not doubting those piled-up papers, as they have no major impact on the police.

It’s tough out there. I always advise people to spend their money wisely, and focus on their needs – not their wants. If people are questioning our priorities, I don’t know what priorities they’re referring to. We intend to establish roadblocks across the country in Kavango, Ohangwena, Erongo and Windhoek. 

We are also working to improve accommodation for officers. For instance, at Omakange, we’ve built 20 rooms, and at Onderombapa, we’ve added 30 rooms. So, I don’t think we’re neglecting any priorities within the Namibian Police. I can assure you that we have recruited, promoted, and purchased vehicles. 

LJ: When you were appointed, you said officers will be appointed on merit, and no favouritism would creep into appointments. Have you managed this?

JS: I firmly believe that no one in the Namibian Police today has been appointed irregularly. If anyone suspects that there are individuals in the police force who were appointed without merit, they should report the matter to the Anti-Corruption
Commission. 

Everyone currently in the Force, from deputy inspector general Elias Mutota to the head of the gender-based violence unit, and even the new regional commander of the Namibian Police in Otjozondjupa who assumed duty on 1 September, has been promoted based on merit.

I have already sent out promotion announcements to the regional commanders to ensure the promotion process is conducted transparently. The process begins with a promotion committee that evaluates all submissions. Then, the validation committee, headed by the deputy inspector general of administration, reviews the decisions. Those promoted based on newly acquired qualifications will also be considered for promotions, depending on vacancy availability and the relevance of their qualifications.

In some cases, officers with qualifications may even be eligible to skip ranks. For instance, someone could be promoted from Warrant Officer Class 2 to Inspector, bypassing Warrant Officer Class 1. Our promotion process is both fair and transparent. So, any claims that we promote based on favouritism are simply not true.

LJ: The cases of poaching are still skyrocketing. Are the police being outsmarted by criminals?

JS: To be honest with you, yes. Poaching cases are on the rise, but the police have the situation under control at Bwabwata National Park. However, we’re still facing challenges to manage the situation at Etosha due to its vast size. 

Despite this, we are making good progress with modern anti-poaching techniques, including the installation of modern fences and enhanced policing efforts. With the smart policing strategies we’ve acquired from recent trips, we are confident that we will have the situation under control soon.

LJ: What advice would you give to your successor to continue building on the work you have done?

JS: Legacy is vital. While each leader brings their own unique style, the core of leadership is about staying focused as a leader – not acting as a boss. It’s about setting an example, working as part of the team, and bringing people together.