Day of Remembrance: Namibian Police

The first normal policing in the country was carried out by the German "Kaiserliche Schutztruppe" as part of their overall responsibilities. This continued until 1st March 1905, when the first police force was established in the form of the "Kaiserliche Landespolizei für Deutsch Südwestafrika."

By 1907, this police force had grown to an establishment of 400 members. In the same year, it took delivery of its first motor vehicle. However, for many years, the standard means of transport remained the horse and camel. Camels were mainly used in areas like Stampriet, Tsinsabis, and Witdraai. The last camels were withdrawn from service just after the Second World War.

The "Landespolizei" ceased its policing role with the South African invasion during the First World War. After the South African Main Force withdrew, five regiments of the South African Mounted Riflemen stayed behind to handle garrison and policing duties.

Meanwhile, the recruitment of a military police force began in Bloemfontein, South Africa. In February 1916, this new force took over the policing function with 52 officers and 1,100 other ranks. That same year, a Training Centre with 16 instructors was established to train the largely young and inexperienced recruits. They underwent a five-month intensive training course. The Training Centre also trained police dogs, following the example set by the "Landespolizei," who had used dogs for detection purposes.

The military police force was disbanded on 31st December 1919, and its members were integrated into the South West African Police Force. In May 1920, a detective unit was established. Mounted police patrols in the Khomas Hochland typically lasted for three weeks, while some camel patrols could last as long as 65 days.

In 1939, the South West African Police Force was disbanded, and the policing responsibility was taken over by the South African Police. On 1st April 1981, policing duties were transferred to a newly established South West African Police Force.

The Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) was established on 21 March 1990, following Namibia’s independence and in conformity with Article 118 of the Namibian Constitution. On 26 November 1990, the Police Act, Act No.19 of 1990 was enacted and signed into law by His Excellency the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Sam Nujoma. Since then, 26 November is commemorated as the Namibian Police Day. NAMPOL replaced the South West African Police (SWAPOL) and started with about 2000 men and women in uniform in 1990 and to date has grown tremendously, filled with trained and experienced men and women in uniform including the civilian component of the Force.

The Namibian Police Force, in carrying out its functions: Preservation of the internal security of Namibia, Maintenance of law and order, Investigation of offenses or alleged offenses, Prevention of crime and Protection of life and property; is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, the Police Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, Act No.51 of 1977, as amended. The Force operates under a centralized command, led by an Inspector General (IGP) with the rank of Lieutenant General (Lt-Gen.), supported by two Deputy Inspector Generals, overseeing administration and operations. NAMPOL’s command structure ensures efficiency, with 16 directorates and 14 regional commands headed by Commissioners and five 1st divisions headed by Deputy Commissioners.

In its formative years, NAMPOL prioritized professionalization and public trust. Under the leadership of Namibia’s first Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Hifikepunye Pohamba and the first Inspector General, Lt-Gen. Peter Abraham Fouché (1990–1992), the groundwork was laid for a disciplined and operationally effective Force. Lt-Gen. Jesaya Raonga Andima (1993–1995) succeeded General Fouché and continued solidifying NAMPOL’s structure, transitioning the Force from its colonial-era policing model. This period saw the introduction of community policing strategies, particularly in rural areas, as a means to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The late 1990s and early 2000s were defined by modernization and expansion under Lt-Gen. Lucas Hangula (1995–2005) and Hon. Jerry Ekandjo as Minister of Home Affairs. Technological advancements became a priority, with the introduction of computerized crime databases and improved communication systems. To address emerging threats, NAMPOL established specialized units and these developments enhanced the Force’s ability to combat crime effectively and reinforced its presence nationwide.

The 2010s marked a period of reform and capacity-building. L.t-Gen. Sebastian Ndeitunga (2005–2022) spearheaded initiatives to improve police visibility, combat organized crime, and enhance community engagement under the tenures of Hon. Nickey Iyambo (2008–2010), Hon. Nangolo Mbumba (2010-2012), Hon. Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2012-2015), Hon. Charles Namoloh (2015-2020), Hon. Frans Kapofi (2018-2021) and Hon. Albert Kawana as Ministers of Safety and Security.

General Ndeitunga is the longest-serving Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force and played a pivotal role in shaping NAMPOL’s modern operational framework. His tenure saw the establishment of the Namibian Police Training Academy, the integration of advanced policing methods and increased international cooperation. Specialized units such as the Air Support Directorate, which operates helicopters, were introduced to expand the Force’s operational capabilities.

With the adoption of the National Gender Policy, NAMPOL has prioritized gender representation, with more women joining the ranks and rising to leadership positions; hence women are part of the Police Senior Management Cadre. The Namibian Police Force has a woman as a Major General, Regional Commanders, Head of Directorates and Divisions.

In 2022, L.t-Gen. Joseph Shikongo assumed command as the Inspector General. With extensive experience in law enforcement and international peacekeeping, his leadership has focused on modernizing the force, improving response times and integrating new technologies into the Force.

Throughout its history, NAMPOL has remained under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Safety and Security and/or Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security with successive ministers refining policy and oversight. NAMPOL’s evolution reflects a commitment to discipline, modernization, and service to the Namibian people. From its inception, the force has continually adapted to new challenges, reinforcing its role as the primary custodian of law and order in the country. Its ongoing pursuit of professionalization, technological advancement, and community-based policing ensures that it remains a steadfast pillar of Namibia’s security infrastructure.

NAMPOL has also adopted the concept of Community Policing which is primarily aimed at moving away from the traditional way of policing to a modern day, democratic approach that incorporates the proactive participation of all stakeholders. These stakeholders include various forums in the fight against crime, such as Neighbourhood Watches, Men and Women Networks against Crime, Youth against Crime, Business against Crime, and many others.

NAMPOL has and continue working toward making policing more effective using technology. The Force launched and continue to implement the E-Policing system since 2014, a project which is aimed at transforming the policing processes from manual work to automation. With the demands for growth and expansion, a number of capital projects have been undertaken and various infrastructures have been erected in many parts of the country, especially in formally neglected areas. National and Regional Headquarters were established, police stations were renovated and restructured while specialized units and new police stations were set up.

NAMPOL is a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-INTERPOL) since 1992 and has been actively participating in INTERPOL’s activities. To support the maintenance of peace, stability and economic development globally, NAMPOL commenced with the deployment of Individual Police Officers (IPO) as peacekeepers in United Nations and African Union Peace Support Operations in 1998.

Moreover, Police Attachés are deployed in some of the neighbouring sister countries, namely Angola, South Africa and Zambia, to further enhance the excellent ties of police cooperation existing between the countries. NAMPOL made significant strides and evolved tremendously over the last decades and continue to make a significant contribution to the realisation of the national goals, as set out in the country’s guiding policies.

To date, five Inspectors-General have led the Namibian Police Force as follows:
1. Lieutenant General Pieter Abraham Fouché (1990-1992)
2. Lieutenant General Jesaya Raonga Andima (1992-1995)
3. Lieutenant General Lucas Hangula (1995-2005)
4. Lieutenant General Sebastian Haitota Ndeitunga (2005 – 2022)
5. Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo (2022 – current)


The information provided above was verified with the National Archives of the Ministry of Basic Education & Culture.