Inspector-General takes direct control of tourism protection
Temporary realignment places tourist safety under direct national oversight
Tourist safety has been placed under direct national police command following the temporary transfer of the Tourism Protection Sub-division to the Office of the Inspector-General, a move aimed at strengthening coordination, command and uniform protection of tourism assets across Namibia.
The announcement was made by police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo during Tuesday’s Debriefing Parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Windhoek, held after the successful nationwide crime prevention operation conducted from 30 January to 1 February 2026.
Veteran police officer Chief Inspector Christina van Dunem Dafonsech has been appointed to lead the unit.
Shikongo said that the decision recognises tourism as a strategic pillar of the Namibian economy and responds to the growing need for enhanced, specialised and coordinated protection of tourists, tourism infrastructure and related activities.
With immediate effect, the temporary realignment places the Tourism Protection Sub-division from regional to direct national oversight to strengthen command and control, improve coordination at national level and ensure a consistent operational approach at tourism-related sites throughout the country.
Shikongo said that the Tourism Protection Sub-division is a specialised law enforcement unit established to safeguard tourists, tourism infrastructure and the overall image of Namibia’s tourism industry. Its mandate focuses on preventing, investigating and responding to crimes affecting visitors and tourism-related services, while actively protecting the country’s reputation as a safe travel destination.
Key responsibilities include visible crime prevention patrols in tourism zones such as hotels, airports, national parks and major attractions, as well as the investigation of crimes against tourists, including theft, fraud, robbery, assault and organised scams.
Rapid response and swift case resolution are prioritised to minimise reputational harm to the country.
The unit also provides immediate assistance and victim support to tourists, working closely with embassies, consulates and travel agencies when incidents occur. Intelligence gathering and analysis form a core component of operations, targeting criminal trends, syndicates, and repeat offenders operating in tourism areas.
He said that collaboration with hotels, tour operators, transport services, tourism authorities, local police stations and private security companies underpins the unit’s work. Additional responsibilities include rapid response to tourist-related emergencies, missing tourist cases and accidents, public safety awareness initiatives, protection of tourism infrastructure and support for border-related investigations involving cross-border crimes affecting tourism.
The elevation of the Tourism Protection Sub-division to the Office of the Inspector-General signals a firm national commitment to safeguarding the tourism sector and reinforcing Namibia’s standing as a secure global travel destination.
