Katima mulilo: Namibian Police Force Deputy Inspector for Operations, Major General Elias Mutota, has urged the new Zambezi Regional Commander, Commissioner Julia Iuze Sakuwa-Neo, to continue building on the success of her predecessors and remain vigilant in addressing crimes. Sakuwa-Neo takes over the reins from Commissioner Andreas Shilelo, who has been transferred to the Oshana Region after four years in the Zambezi Region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, during the official handover and taking over ceremony on Friday at Katima Mulilo, Mutota highlighted the major challenges the region faces, such as political, security, and transnational crimes. He encouraged the new commander to face these challenges with courage, integrity, and professionalism. Mutota emphasized the immense responsibility placed on Sakuwa-Neo by both NamPol senior management and the citizens of the region, expressing confidence that she will honour it with dignity and commitment.

Mutota further stated that Sakuwa-Neo and her team are tasked not only with maintaining law and order but also with fostering trust, upholding justice, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all the people of the region and the country at large. He underscored that policing is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation at every level, from officers on the ground to the leadership that guides them.

Outgoing commander Shilelo, with 30 years in the force, shared some of his success stories in handling security, political, and transnational crimes such as cattle rustling, noting that the overall crime situation is low and remains under control in the region.

In her acceptance speech, Sakuwa-Neo, who has served in the police force for 30 years in different regions, vowed to maintain law and order. She cautioned that her local ties should not be seen as an opportunity for manipulation, asserting her commitment to apply the law impartially, regardless of relation, race, ethnicity, religion, or colour.