Nainda Steps In as Acting Police Chief Following Shikongo Suspension
By TUW
Major General Anne-Marie Nainda has been appointed acting inspector general of the Namibian Police Force with immediate effect, following a leadership shake-up at the top of the country’s law enforcement agency.
The decision by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah places Nainda in charge for a one-year period, as provided for under constitutional provisions governing the appointment of the police chief. A highly experienced senior officer, she is expected to steer the force and uphold law and order during her tenure.
Her appointment comes amid confirmation that Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has been suspended, following days of speculation about his future. The development is reportedly linked to a security breach at State House last Thursday, when a naked man managed to gain access to the president’s private floor.
Sources indicate that the Presidency is expected to formally communicate the suspension decision publicly between Tuesday and Wednesday. However, no official statement has yet outlined the full circumstances surrounding the move.
Shikongo had led the police force since August 2022, after his appointment by former president Hage Geingob. His tenure was later extended in 2024 by former president Nangolo Mbumba, allowing him to remain in office beyond retirement age.
In recent remarks, Shikongo said he would accept any decision taken by his appointing authority. Authorities have not confirmed whether the reported State House incident directly influenced the leadership change, but the timing has intensified public scrutiny around security at the presidency.
Nainda now assumes the role at a critical moment, with expectations that she will restore confidence and ensure stability within the police force.
