Old Mutual Foundation handed over a donation of security gadgets to Oshakati Extension 16 Neighbourhood Watch.
The donation took place on 18 November at the new suburb on the south side of the town of Oshakati, a suburb that is populated by some of the wealthy residents of the town, so that they have in the past experienced persistent criminal activities involving housebreaking.
Handing over the donation, Old Mutual Finance district manager, Mr Michael Shapopi, said that Old Mutual has finalized support to five Neighbourhood Watches throughout Namibia for the year 2022 to a total value of N$100 000 with each Neighbourhood Watch benefiting N$20 000.
“The five neighbourhood watches are Oshakati Ext 16, Khomasdal, Gamsberg, and Walvis Bay Shoreline neighbourhood watches.
“It is a great honour for us to join you here today to witness this exciting handover to the Oshakati Ext 16 Neighbourhood Watch by the Old Mutual Foundation through our Neighbourhood Watch initiative,” Shapopi said.
Shapopi added that the Old Mutual Foundation serves as the company’s primary Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle that endeavours to deliver on its economic and social transformation vision for Namibia.
“The Old Mutual Foundation supports various flagship projects aligned to our social responsibility framework, which we undertake to make a lasting impact at a community and societal level in the areas of Education and Skills, Financial well-being, and Community development.
“As part of our community development focus area, the Neighbourhood Watch initiative aims to capacitate registered Neighbourhood Watches in Namibia with material and equipment to strengthen their crime prevention efforts in our communities.”
In accepting the donation, which consisted of 4 handcuffs, 4 pepper sprays, 3 tasers, 3 torches, a signboard and 10 car stickers, Chairperson of Oshakati Extension 16 Neighbourhood Watch, Mr Jackson Muma, said that the equipment will be put to good use.
“Our aim is to prevent rather than to apprehend. We want to live in a peaceful environment,” Muma said.
“Old Mutual, we can’t thank you enough. Please continue to help those trying to keep their environments safe.”
Also present at the handover were Oshana Regional Police chief Deputy Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, Ongwediva Police Station commander Chief Inspector Elizabeth Nashandi, and Mayor of Oshakati Mr Leonard Hango.
Residents and members of the neighbourhood watch also came in a big number to witness the handover.
In the photo: Michael Shapopi stating Old Mutual’s commitment to safer neighbourhoods.
