The use of excessive police force and its implications for personal security: A case study of the Wanaheda police jurisdiction, Windhoek
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has over the years received considerable
backlash for members' actions, particularly regarding the use of excessive force against
community members when performing operational duties. The issue of the police’s
use of excessive force has emerged as a grave concern in contemporary society,
especially in the context of growing public scrutiny and demands for police
accountability. The excessive use of force not only undermines the legitimacy of police
authority, but it instils fear and anxiety among community members, which may result
in a collapse in the relationship between the police and the communities they are
mandated to serve. Most law enforcement agencies have policies that guide the use of
force and firearms in maintaining law and order. These policies describe an escalating
series of actions to resolve police-citizen encounters, which include situations that
necessitate the use of force. This thesis focused on investigating the personal security
implications associated with the police’s use of excessive force. Thus, the study
interrogated whether the use of excessive police force undermines the capacity of the
State to protect community members from physical harm or violence. A qualitative
research approach was undertaken in this study and it used a case study approach. The
data was obtained using semi-structured face-to-face interviews which were conducted
at Wanaheda Police jurisdiction in Windhoek, Namibia. Data was analysed using
thematic analysis in which themes and sub-themes were developed and were
considered to be the most suitable for this study. The responses and insights expressed
by the participants of the study provided a greater understanding of the impact and
implications of the use of excessive force, which is central to safeguarding personal
security and a more equitable and just society. The study provided recommendations
to the organisation in adopting comprehensive training programmes, reforming the
police culture, community policing initiatives and policy and procedural reforms to
improve those entrusted with the protection of the individual’s rights and freedoms,
the maintenance of law and order, and the prevention of crime and protection of life
and property
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Security and Strategic Studies)
Keywords
Excessive, Use of force, Police misconduct, Personal security, Namibia, University of Namibioa