By Kaleb Nghishidivali
OMUTHIYA, August 17 – Police officers stationed at Omuthiya Police barracks in Oshikoto region, many of whom are parents, have been issued notices to vacate their living quarters. The directive, attributed to Regional Commander Commissioner Theopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, has sparked accusations of discrimination and garnered criticism from various quarters.
Dated August 14, 2023, the notice specifically targets officers residing with their children, instructing them to leave the barracks by August 18, 2023. An inspection of the barracks is scheduled for the following day, as communicated to the affected officers.
Affirmative Repositioning, a social justice advocacy group, voiced strong disapproval of the move. Johannes Johannes, an Oshikoto region representative of the group, condemned the act as discriminatory, asserting that police force members are already marginalized and voiceless.
Johannes likened the treatment of police officers to “donkeys pulling a cart,” highlighting that these officers are primarily junior personnel who cannot afford housing or rental costs.
“The act of separating families due to job requirements is discriminatory,” Johannes emphasized. He noted that these measures do not apply to government housing occupants, revealing a disparity.
The representative criticized Commander Nashikaku for allegedly neglecting constitutional articles, specifically Articles 10, 14, and 16, which underscore the importance of justifying decisions and avoiding arbitrary actions.
Johannes disclosed that the AR union had previously sought representation for the police force from Inspector General Joseph Shikongo, but their plea was rejected.
Undeterred, Johannes pledged to pursue justice in this matter, asserting, “I am not afraid of the police; I fight for justice.”
In response, Commissioner Nashikaku addressed the allegations. She stated that a vacation exercise was conducted in accordance with the police store manual’s Article 5, affecting only a few individuals. Nashikaku expressed concerns about mixing children of different genders in barracks, asserting it sends a negative message.
Barracks are categorized by gender, and officers with children of different genders cause security concerns for those without children, according to Nashikaku. She emphasized that the government has relocated those who gave birth and could not stay in barracks to houses.
Disputing claims of senior officers residing in houses while juniors are in barracks, Nashikaku maintained that officers of all ranks are represented in government houses.
Nashikaku acknowledged the wider issue of living conditions for police officers, attributing it to insufficient infrastructure across the region.
While Nashikaku hopes for a resolution through management, some officers will continue to grapple with subpar living conditions and the potential exposure of their children to negative situations.- Namibia Daily News
