Windhoek: Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, on Tuesday announced the temporary transfer of the Tourism Protection Sub-Division to the Office of the Inspector General. The transfer comes along with an allocation of resources, consisting of two computers, two cars, bicycles, protective equipment, and communication tools.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Shikongo made the announcement during a debriefing parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College, where he emphasised the growing importance of tourism to the national economy and the need for a specialised, well-coordinated approach to safeguarding visitors and tourism infrastructure. He said the temporary restructuring is intended to improve command and control, streamline operations and ensure consistent policing standards across all regions.

Shikongo noted that the Tourism Protection Sub-Division plays a critical role in preventing and responding to crimes affecting tourists, conducting investigations, and managing emergencies that may arise at tourism sites. Its duties include visible patrols at hotels, airports, national parks, and other key tourist attractions, as well as gathering intelligence on crime trends targeting tourists. The unit also works closely with tour operators, lodges, transport services, and local police stations to maintain a secure environment for both domestic and international tourists.

In addition to crime prevention, the unit provides victim support services by assisting affected tourists and liaising with embassies and travel agencies. It further contributes to public awareness campaigns by educating tourists on safety measures and training tourism industry employees on crime reporting procedures.

Shikongo explained that the selected officers will be appointed to the sub-division based on their professionalism, integrity, and experience, reiterating that the restructuring aims to bolster Namibia's standing as a safe travel destination and ensure consistent operational support throughout the tourism sector.