Police to take tough action against politically motivated violence

The Namibian police force stated on 26 November 2008 that it will take tough action against anyone who instigates and perpetrates politically motivated violence. The statement comes in response to violence that broke out in Outapi -- which is located in the Omusati region in northern Namibia -- on 22 November, when Southwest African People's Organization (SWAPO) members attempted to prevent the opposition Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) from holding a rally in the city. SWAPO members blocked roads, encircled RDP members and threw stones at them. Anti-riot police officers attempted to break up the conflict, but the SWAPO protesters overwhelmed them. In all, 12 RDP members were injured, three police officers were assaulted and one police vehicle was damaged. The security forces have appealed to Namibia's political leaders to educate their members on the political code of ethics and to insist that they refrain from violence. Local authorities have warned that if low-level political violence continues, it will likely break out into widespread violence when national elections are held in 2009.