Erongo police intensifies security

SWAKOPMUND, 03 JUN (NAMPA) – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Erongo Region havr ntensified patrols, strengthened community policing initiatives and called for closer cooperation with tourism operators.
Erongo Regional Police Commissioner, Nikolaus Kupembona, said at a media briefing in Swakopmund on Wednesday that law enforcement agencies have increased visibility in affected areas and are working closely with tourism establishments to prevent similar incidents.
He urged lodge owners, campsite operators and other tourism businesses to immediately alert the police if they identify security gaps or anticipate potential risks, particularly at facilities located in remote areas.
“If you feel that you do not have enough security measures in place, please inform us so that we can ensure that we deploy our members accordingly,” Kupembona said.
He stressed that effective communication between tourism operators, communities and law enforcement agencies remains one of the most important tools in crime prevention.
The commissioner also encouraged visitors and businesses to make use of police contact details available through official channels and to report suspicious activities promptly.
Kupembona’s remarks follow a robbery and attempted intrusion at Spitzkoppe Campsite on 26 May, during which tourists were reportedly subjected to theft, vandalism and attempts by suspects to enter their tents while they were asleep.
Addressing the same briefing, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a disgraceful act that threatens both the safety of visitors and Namibia’s reputation as a preferred tourism destination.
“This criminal act is not only a violation of the safety and dignity of our visitors, but also a direct threat to Namibia’s reputation as a secure tourism destination,” she said.
|Goagoses noted that tourism remains one of the key pillars of the Erongo economy, supporting thousands of jobs directly and indirectly through accommodation establishments, tour operators, transport providers and community-based tourism initiatives.
She said the Erongo Regional Tourism Forum, under her leadership, had resolved to strengthen security measures across tourism facilities, including campsites, lodges, guesthouses and hotels.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the Spitzkoppe incident, |Goagoses stressed that it was an isolated case and should not discourage tourists from visiting the region.
“We are going to strengthen all our security measures to ensure that both local and international tourists are safe,” she said.
(NAMPA)
IB/HP/EK