Allexer Namundjembo Inspector general Joseph Shikongo has ordered all regional commanders to tighten security at police facilities nationwide after a series of inmate escapes.  The directive follows the breakout of seven inmates from Ngoma Police Station over the weekend. The escapees include Angolan national Xiaver Francisco (27), Namibian national Chester Yambwa (34), and Zambian nationals Muyokela Sinyinda (20), James Lisho (35), Monga Mubita (23), Nyambe Sililo (53), and Vincent Mwiya (38). They cut through the iron roof of the holding cells to get out. Namibian Police spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed the directive to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday.  She said measures have been put in place to address inmate escapes, including cell inspections and strict supervision during court transfers and hospital visits.  “Measures to tighten the security include, among others, intensifying the regular cell inspections and the movement of inmates controlled with close supervision, especially during court transfers, court appearances and hospital visits, as well as during feeding. Visitors are also to be supervised to prevent the smuggling of tools or contraband,” she said. She said each escape from police custody is taken seriously and fully investigated to find security gaps and determine if officers were involved.  “Notably, every escape incident is thoroughly investigated to identify and address security gaps; moreover, to establish if any of the officers aided the inmates to escape, and if so, necessary action is taken against those officers,” she said. She warned that escaped inmates put communities at risk. “All in all these escapes from lawful custody are grave concerns because every escape puts communities at risk because some of these criminals are dangerous criminals,” she said. This is the second time inmates have escaped from Ngoma holding cells this year. In April, five trial-awaiting inmates escaped from the same facility, with two still at large. Three Zambian nationals were rearrested, while two Namibians remain on the run. Moreover, other stations have experienced inmate escapes in recent months.  In January, fourteen inmates escaped from Ruacana Police Station after opening an unlocked burglar door, forcing their way into the courtroom, and fleeing through a window. Eight months ago, ten trial-awaiting inmates fled from Onandjaba holding cells in the Omusati Region after cutting through the roof of their recreational area during dinner. Footprints indicated some crossed into Angola. In September last year, eleven inmates escaped from Omuthiya by smashing through a cell wall. Six remain at large. NamPol’s criminal investigation directorate reports 970 attempted prison escapes since 2019. Of these, 690 inmates were rearrested, while 284 are still at large. The police have urged the public to share any information on the whereabouts of escapees, saying efforts are ongoing to protect communities from dangerous fugitives.

Internet suspended in Balochistan till August 31, disrupting education, business, and media; human rights groups condemn the move.

Explore the recent trends in border security with a record-low number of illegal crossings and a focus on a secure border.

Meeting focuses on revisiting consent processes and sharing action items from feedback.

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The government did not authorise Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) to continue operating from its Klein Windhoek headquarters following a diamond heist in January.  This was revealed by minister of industry, mines and energy Natangwe Ithete, in  Parliament on Tuesday.  The diamond heist led to the disappearance of diamonds worth over N$314 million. Ithete said that Namdia has relocated its operations due to security concerns.  “As we are currently speaking, Namdia is not operating from the same building for the same reasons and for the same concerns that the country is having that it is probably not safe. So we equally did not authorise Namdia to operate from there while we are looking at the security features,” he said. Ithete was responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, who asked about the status of the robbery investigations and the  security measures in place at Namdia. Venaani said he was aware the robbery case was under police investigation but raised concerns about broader security lapses at the diamond company.  “Mr Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, there are lots of allegations going around that there are security breaches currently at Namdia… And I have not seen you in electronic or print media visiting Namdia to acquaint yourself. So the first question is, have you ever visited Namdia? Can you give assurance to this country that a new heist will not take place under the security conditions that are there?” He asked. Venaani also questioned why the government continues to retain Namdia’s board of directors and management despite the heist.  “Why is the government keeping the current board of Namdia while there was a heist under their watch, and the same board is said to be having a number of lapses in terms of security? So what is really happening at Namdia? Why is the board protected? Have you been there as a minister? How can you assure this country that diamonds there will not be stolen again, because we are getting so many stories around Namdia,” he said. In response, thete said changing the board every time a crime occurs is not sustainable.  However, he added that this does not mean the ministry will not make changes.  “It does not mean the ministry will not change the board or that it is going to change the board immediately,” he said.

Going around a checkpoint and bypassing a security screening without authorization at Decatur City Hall may soon be illegal.

Redstone Arsenal will be adjusting it's gate operations to evaluate current security measures, operational needs, and available resources beginning Monday, June 30.

Assam, Gujarat Cracking Down On Bangladeshi Immigrants.