The Namibian Police Force (NamPol), spokesperson Deputy Commissioner, Kauna Shikwambi has urged community members to report any suspected explosive ordinances to the nearest police station and not touch them.
This follows the discovery of various explosives by NamPol’s explosive sub-divisions in various regions, during the month of January.
Shikwambi in a media statement on Tuesday said the explosives discovered include an AK-47 rifle, eight rocket-propelled grenades, 10 mortar of high explosives of the former Soviet Union, four smoke grenades, ten G3 empty magazines and a tripwire flare among others.
The explosives, she said were discovered in the regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Kavango West, Erongo and Khomas, adding that in most cases, they were discovered in communal fields where people were busy cultivating their fields, while some were discovered by children while playing in the fields.
“The police continue to educate children and community members on the possible existence and dangers of these explosives and the police appreciate the efforts by the communities in reporting such discoveries,” she said.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson also warned the public of individuals personating police officers, for criminal purposes. This, after a 27-year-old woman was attacked and robbed of her vehicle in Windhoek by alleged three male suspects wearing police uniforms.
According to Shikwambi the men used a Nissan Tida vehicle with blue and red lights and conducted a roadblock on the B1 Road at the turn-off Florence Nightingale Road.
The vehicle was later found in the Goreangab residential area with parts stripped-off, no arrest has been made and police investigations continue.
“A real police officer will identify themselves through a police appointment certificate and a member of the public must ask for that and always compare the physical facial appearance. Our officers will be in full uniform even when manning a checkpoint and in most cases, a branded police vehicle will be in the area. Be vigilant and observe the situation thoroughly. The incident has caused damage to the image and reputation of the Namibian Police Force and we, therefore, condemned such offences in the strongest sense,” she stressed.
Shikwambi further urged members of the public who may have any information regarding any individuals suspected to be involved in the commission of such offences to contact the nearest police station.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
