Inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga said the police respect the media since they help in disseminating information.
In a statement Monday, Ndeitunga said the police have no intention whatsoever of disregarding media freedoms and arresting journalists without any cause.
Four journalists arrested are Julia Heita (Eagle FM), Julia Nekwaya (Namibia Daily News), Ndapewoshali Shapwanale (freelance) and Anne Hambunda.
They were detained for about five hours at the Windhoek Correctional facility from where they were released without any charges.
Twenty-three other protesters were released but expected in court Monday.
The inspector general said the police are certainly for a peaceful demonstration, but we are against an unlawful; and rowdy protest which impairs the safety and security of the nation.
“Notwithstanding g the aforegoing, it must be understood that when journalists stand in the way of rioters, they should make their presence distinguishable from those that are acting unlawfully to avoid mistaken identities.
Journalists should at all times display their media card for immediate identification and they must know and understand that in as much as they have to perform their duty, the police have a duty to perform,” he said.
According to Ndeitunga, the journalists were detained while they were in the midst of the unruly protesting crowd and could not provide immediate identification.
He said the journalists were cautioned and implored to stay clear of certain areas, but they did not comply.
“The police requested the journalists not to be in the midst of the protesters as it could be difficult to identify them because some of them were also wearing the dress code similar to the one worn by the protesters.”
