Authorities are intensifying investigations into the illegal movement of firearms across borders after eight individuals, including six Namibian police officers, were arrested in connection with the smuggling of state-owned weapons. The arrests followed a joint operation triggered by a tip-off from South African authorities, who linked Namibian-sourced firearms to gang-related violence in the Western Cape.
The suspects, among them two civilian employees of the Namibian Police Force, made their first appearance in the Windhoek Regional Court this week.
Namibia’s Inspector General of Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, revealed that intelligence reports pointed to the possible involvement of two trucking companies operating in both Namibia and South Africa. He emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the network facilitating the movement of the firearms.
Brigadier General Fillimon Shafashike, Chief of Staff for Policy and Plans in the Namibian Defence Force, joined Shikongo in addressing the matter during a televised NBC News interview on Wednesday. Both officials assured the public that law enforcement and defence authorities are working together to curb cross-border crime and restore trust in the security sector.
