Oshana police warned against excessive force

ONGWEDIVA – Oshana police regional commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo has cautioned police officers to exercise restraint in their application of force, saying arrests must be lawful and non-violent while detainees must be treated with dignity.

Shilelo made the remarks during the official opening of a human rights training course in Ondangwa yesterday, where he stressed that respect for human rights is fundamental to professional and ethical policing.

He said that every person encountered by police, whether a victim, suspect or bystander, is entitled to fair, dignified and lawful treatment.

“Arrests must always be lawful and non-violent, unless absolutely necessary, and conditions of detention must respect basic human dignity,” he said.

He further reminded officers that the use of force must be proportional and justified, while freedoms of expression and assembly and the right to dignity must be safeguarded.