Windhoek police arrested more than 580 people for traffic offenses last January, prompting lawyers to speak up about possible police overreach.
The city police chief, Leevi Ileka, explained they mostly arrest people for major traffic problems. These include drunk driving, dangerous driving, running red lights, and certain moving violations. They also arrest folks with unpaid fines when courts issue arrest orders.
"Our January numbers show exactly 584 arrests for traffic matters," Ileka stated.
He added that arrest warrants come from courts, making them legal orders police must follow. The police try to handle these arrests properly and respect everyone's rights.
Last December, police reported about 148,000 drivers across Namibia might face arrest for various road rule breaks. This equals around N$170.8 million in unpaid traffic fines.
The head of Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, asked officers to be kinder when dealing with traffic offenders. He suggested they use judgment and sometimes just give warnings.
Ileka claims they balance enforcement with fairness. Officers can use their judgment as allowed by law but still need to keep roads safe.
Some Windhoek residents have complained about these traffic arrests. Ileka says the police appreciate hearing these concerns.
Shikongo believes officers should educate drivers first. "Officers should teach people and warn them before arresting," he explained. However, he noted that serious cases like drunk driving require immediate arrest.
For smaller issues such as forgotten driver's licenses or minor car problems, Shikongo questioned if fines make sense. "Just warn the person," he suggested.
He previously accused some traffic officers of misusing their power when giving tickets. "We should educate people about traffic laws through media rather than just fining them," Shikongo said.
Lawyer Sisa Namandje believes many arrests happen without good reason. He argues police could simply ask suspects to appear in court instead of arresting them.
"Arrest should happen only when necessary," Namandje stated. He claims these practices led to overcrowded cells and many successful lawsuits against police.
Namandje called for urgent changes to arrest and detention laws. He reminded everyone that being presumed innocent remains an important right for anyone suspected of breaking the law.
The city police chief, Leevi Ileka, explained they mostly arrest people for major traffic problems. These include drunk driving, dangerous driving, running red lights, and certain moving violations. They also arrest folks with unpaid fines when courts issue arrest orders.
"Our January numbers show exactly 584 arrests for traffic matters," Ileka stated.
He added that arrest warrants come from courts, making them legal orders police must follow. The police try to handle these arrests properly and respect everyone's rights.
Last December, police reported about 148,000 drivers across Namibia might face arrest for various road rule breaks. This equals around N$170.8 million in unpaid traffic fines.
The head of Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, asked officers to be kinder when dealing with traffic offenders. He suggested they use judgment and sometimes just give warnings.
Ileka claims they balance enforcement with fairness. Officers can use their judgment as allowed by law but still need to keep roads safe.
Some Windhoek residents have complained about these traffic arrests. Ileka says the police appreciate hearing these concerns.
Shikongo believes officers should educate drivers first. "Officers should teach people and warn them before arresting," he explained. However, he noted that serious cases like drunk driving require immediate arrest.
For smaller issues such as forgotten driver's licenses or minor car problems, Shikongo questioned if fines make sense. "Just warn the person," he suggested.
He previously accused some traffic officers of misusing their power when giving tickets. "We should educate people about traffic laws through media rather than just fining them," Shikongo said.
Lawyer Sisa Namandje believes many arrests happen without good reason. He argues police could simply ask suspects to appear in court instead of arresting them.
"Arrest should happen only when necessary," Namandje stated. He claims these practices led to overcrowded cells and many successful lawsuits against police.
Namandje called for urgent changes to arrest and detention laws. He reminded everyone that being presumed innocent remains an important right for anyone suspected of breaking the law.
