Windhoek City Police Chief Abraham Kanime said they were trying as hard as possible to talk to the community about maintaining social distancing and observing other state of emergency regulations.

Chief Kanime told Eagle FM on Tuesday that although it is not easy to enforce the regulations, the presence of the police should make the community feel safe.

He said that they should report anything seen as harassment and manhandling.

“Yes, we have cases of police brutality and we prosecuted them and charged them. We sentenced them accordingly,” Chief Kanime said.

He, however, said there are some cases where community members are dramatic and exaggerate cases.

Speaking about the two rape accused police officers and the petition calling for their suspension, Chief Kanime said it’s a personal issue and we have rules.

He further said that this is an issue of public interest and touched the image of the City Police but again, the issue is governed by rules and regulations and should be handled accordingly.

According to Kanime said they have put measures in place to ensure that the passenger restriction is adhered such as the drivers who physically ensure no more than the required passengers enter the bus and on a daily basis 12 police officers are sent to the bus stops to ensure social distance.

The police chief said members of the public should not expect law enforcement officers to tell them to wear their masks.

“This virus has devastated the superpower countries who have the means and look at the numbers of our neighbouring countries,” he said.

Covid-19 regulations do not discriminate, he said, and law enforcement agents need to adhere to this regulation.

“Social distancing is just social distancing and the virus does not discriminate,” Chief Kanime said.