By: Josia Shigwedha 

Police Lieutenant Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo says holding cells are crowded because some officers arrest people on Thursdays. Shikongo said the suspects spend the weekend in custody over petty crimes because nothing much happens on Fridays.

Shikongo highlighted that Oshikoto Police Station tops the list of overcrowded stations.

“We have this issue of police officers arresting people on a Thursday, knowing exactly that Friday is a court day.  Somebody is arrested and it’s not really a scheduled one offence. It’s not a robbery, a murder, or any case, that this person you need to lock him in, that is why today you find some of our cells are too full,” stated Shikongo.

He said the design of the police cells makes it challenging to accommodate many inmates. 

“There was a report that came from Oshikoto that they are now topping the number one list of inmate overcrowding.  If you are talking about Wanaheda, it was only meant for 150 inmates.

Katutura police station, which is now closed, is meant for 150 (inmates). Windhoek police station is 150 and Otjomuise is meant for 120. Dorbabis is meant for 90, Seeis meant for 60,  Klein Windhoek is 20 inmates, but go to Wanaheda , sometimes you find more than 200 inmates. Some cells like Katima Mulilo is meant for 80, go to Katima Mulilo today you find up to 300 people,” remarked  Shikongo.

Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo said investigators must consider crime combat and prevention strategies.

He urged positive contributions towards developing effective prevention methods to reduce crime. 

Shikongo launched Follow the Money booklet, which guides investigators in conducting thorough investigations. 

The launch was done during the opening ceremony of the Criminal Investigation Directorate’s meeting with regional crime coordinators and heads of divisions today in Windhoek. 

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