Windhoek: Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Joseph Shikongo, has issued a warning about the dangers of reckless social media use, emphasizing that it can ruin lives, careers, and reputations, and potentially result in imprisonment. Shikongo's remarks were made during the launch of the Ethical Use of Social Media Campaign organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT).
According to Namibia Press Agency, Shikongo highlighted that while social media has revolutionized communication and global connectivity, it also poses risks by facilitating criminal activities and the spread of misinformation. He clarified that the campaign is not intended to police free speech but to promote ethical online behavior, urging Namibians to think critically before posting and sharing information to avoid causing harm.
NamPol statistics reveal significant online-facilitated crimes between April 2022 and April 2025, including 11,990 fraud cases, 9,039 criminal injury cases, and 4,835 defamation cases. Additionally, there were reports of theft under false pretenses, assault via threats, extortion, and human trafficking, the latter involving both local and foreign recruitment through online platforms.
Shikongo stressed the long-lasting impact of online misconduct, warning that a single reckless post can lead to severe consequences such as imprisonment. He encouraged the use of social media for constructive purposes like unity and truth.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and responsible use of social media and AI tools. She noted that while these platforms can drive education and entrepreneurship, they also pose risks if not used critically, citing potential harm from unverified AI-generated content.
Theofelus urged users to validate information to prevent the spread of falsehoods and maintain independent thinking, highlighting the importance of critical engagement with digital content.