Katima mulilo: Newly appointed Zambezi Regional Commander of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Commissioner Julia Iuze Sakuwa-Neo, has vowed to apply proactive policing measures aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. Sakuwa-Neo, who was transferred from the Kavango West Region to the Zambezi Region, made the remarks during the official handover and takeover ceremony held in Katima Mulilo, where she officially took over from Commissioner Andreas Shilelo, who has been transferred to the Oshana Region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, in her acceptance speech, Sakuwa-Neo said she will focus on improving the morale of officers on the ground, stressing that leadership is about taking care of subordinates, supporting them, and providing them with the tools and resources needed to perform their duties safely and professionally. 'We will continue to ensure that our interaction with the public is characterised by respect, integrity and discipline,' she said.
The new commissioner also pledged to continue engaging communities and building partnerships, promising to honour the legacy of her predecessor by strengthening community policing structures. 'It is no secret that most of our success comes from the community. It is time the community realize that we are partners in combating crimes hence achieving peace and safety,' she noted while thanking those who encouraged others to come on board.
Sakuwa-Neo further appealed to political, traditional and church leaders, the business community, stakeholders, and the public to cooperate with NamPol in the fight against crime. 'I will strive to work together with all of you. I will engage more with all leaders in order to strategies on issues of concern. I will not close the doors that were opened by Commissioner Shilelo but I will open those doors wide enough for everyone to fit in as I have done the same in Kavango West where I am from,' she said.
She added that NamPol is a diverse institution where officers take an oath to serve anywhere in Namibia and thanked the Inspector General and management for entrusting her with the leadership of the Zambezi Region. Deputy Inspector General of NamPol, Major General Elias Mutota, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, which was attended by Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, Katima Mulilo Mayor Kabende Kabende, regional and town councillors, including representatives from the Bukalo Village Council, as well as heads of security clusters in the region.