Residents of the Okakarara Constituency have raised alarm over the growing presence of illegal immigrants in the area, accusing law enforcement and immigration officials of turning a blind eye to the issue.

The community, under the banner of the Okakarara Residents Association Fighting for Development (ORAFD), staged a protest to voice their frustrations.

According to the group, more than 1,000 undocumented individuals have entered the area, posing what residents claim is a serious threat to their safety and livelihoods.

"We are very much concerned and at the same time flabbergasted as to what is going on with our Namibian Police, the Immigration Department, the NDF, and the legal instrument, the Immigration Control Act of 1994," said Sigfried Tjehiua, Director General of ORAFD.
"They altogether have become passive in regard to protection of our state's vital borders, facilitating the immigration of illegal immigrants, causing our country to portray an image of being a reception country for illegal immigrants with ease."

Tjehiua alleged that due to the immigrants’ struggle to survive, some have resorted to criminal activities such as stock theft, assaults, and even murder.

During the demonstration, Okakarara Police Station Commander, Inspector Kutjaza Katjiku, was present but refused to accept the petition being delivered by the residents and walked away.

"This is not an illegal document," said Tjehiua.
"It is nicely framed, talking about the issue of concern from the public of Okakarara, but the inspector is walking away."

The residents have vowed to forward their petition directly to the Otjozondjupa regional police commander.