By: Mathias Hangala
First National Bank Namibia (FNB) is set to invest N$569,202 in crime-fighting systems, including panoramic surveillance units and AI-driven licence plate recognition technology, to be handed over to the City of Windhoek (CoW).
FNB announced the development during a cheque handover ceremony in the capital last week.
According to the City Police, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras remain a key technological tool in crime prevention.
These systems complement conventional policing methods used by law enforcement officers and existing surveillance equipment, enhancing their ability to monitor and respond to incidents more effectively.
Crime trends in Windhoek continue to raise a concern. Property-related offences, drug-related incidents, and violent crimes remain prevalent, with residents expressing particular anxiety over home burglaries and vehicle theft. These concerns underscore a need for effective technological crime prevention strategies.
Currently, more than 125 cameras are installed in crime-prone areas across the city and are monitored around the clock by City Police officers from a 24-hour call centre.
Authorities report that the presence of CCTV systems has already contributed to a reduction in crime in monitored areas.
Speaking at the handover event, Rodney Forbes, FNB Namibia’s Chief Operating Officer, welcomed the City’s policing strategy. He emphasised that a safe and secure environment is essential for economic growth, noting that thriving businesses depend on stability and public safety.
Forbes reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to national development through investment in modern surveillance solutions.
Crime continues to affect businesses in various manners, ranging from financial losses to, in other cases, bankruptcy. These impacts extend beyond individual enterprises, ultimately affecting employment levels and the broader economy.
Representing the City, Fillemon Neputa, Strategic Executive of Information Communication Technology (ICT), welcomed the investment.
He noted that it will complement the operational capacity of the Windhoek City Police Service by building law enforcement capacity, improving evidence collection, and enabling timely response.
Neputa added that public safety plays a role in attracting investment and sustaining economic growth.
Meanwhile, Adam Eiseb, City Police Deputy Head of Administration, highlighted that maintaining public safety is a shared responsibility.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the public sector, private institutions, and the community, noting that the investment is ultimately aimed at protecting the people who drive the city’s economy.
