Police in Keetmanshoop have partnered with reformed ex-offender Paulus Shimweefeleni, popularly known as ‘Ninja,’ to address crime and gangsterism in the area by engaging directly with young people. This initiative comes in response to community concerns about rising crime rates linked to gang activities.
During a recent police community engagement, residents highlighted the impact of gangsterism on safety in the town.
This initiative adds to Ninja’s growing reputation as a crime prevention advocate. After his release from prison in March 2024, he collaborated with various organizations to deter young people from a life of crime. In April 2024, Ninja joined the Faith Foundation to speak at schools in Windhoek, emphasizing that "crime does not pay." Later, in October 2024, he partnered with Harry ‘The Terminator’ Simon and the MTC Salute Boxing Academy to organize the ‘Ninja Against Crime’ exhibition boxing match, raising awareness about crime prevention.
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| Ninja said je don't want any child to follow his footsteps |
With his partnership with Nampol in Keetmanshoop, Shimweefeleni is taking a step further by working closely with local law enforcement to engage the community and tackle gangsterism head-on. This initiative reflects his commitment to using his past experiences to drive positive change.
Keetmanshoop Police Station Commander, Chief Inspector Eino Kamukwanyama, emphasized the need for innovative strategies in fighting crime.
"When we fight crime, we must exhaust all avenues. If Plan A doesn’t work, we move to Plan B. Having Ninja on board is a great initiative because he speaks their language. Many of the boys we encounter have been in prison or are at risk of ending up there. He knows how to communicate with them and reach their hearts. This is just the beginning, we will assess the impact of this strategy, but I am confident it will work," Kamukwanyama said.
Shimweetheleni, who spent over 25 years in prison for robbery and murder, now advocates against crime. Reflecting on the engagement, he expressed concern over the influence of gangs like the Hush-Hush, 26s, 27s, and 28s.
"I’ve noticed that even some women have tattoos identifying them as part of gangs. The concerning part is that most gang members here, the Hush-Hush, 26s, 27s, 28s are all related. These are brothers, young Nama boys, and they are not even hiding it. They openly tell me, 'I’m 26, I’m 28.' The situation is getting out of hand, which is why we are taking a stand against crime," he explained.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a new strategy for the Keetmanshoop police, aiming to address crime through mentorship and direct community engagement, while empowering young people to make better life choices.