Police warn of rising online child exploitation
OSHAKATI
Oshana police regional commander Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria has raised alarm over the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation and other technology-facilitated crimes, urging law enforcement and social service professionals to strengthen their skills in digital investigations and victim protection.
Speaking at the opening of a child safeguarding and victim identification training in Oshakati on Monday, Sakaria said crimes such as online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA), gender-based violence (GBV), trafficking in persons (TIP), and violence against children (VAC) are increasingly being driven by digital platforms.
“We are living in an era where the digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. While technology offers immense opportunities for development and communication, it also presents serious risks, particularly to children and other vulnerable groups,” he said.
Sakaria warned that offenders are exploiting technology to recruit, manipulate and abuse victims, often hiding behind anonymity, making investigations more complex and demanding higher levels of vigilance, coordination and technical expertise.
The five-day training, running from 13 to 17 April, brings together professionals from law enforcement and social services to enhance their capacity to investigate such crimes, safeguard victims and handle digital evidence.
Sakaria stressed that traditional policing methods are no longer sufficient in addressing modern crimes, noting that the widespread use of smartphones, laptops and cloud-based platforms has created vast digital footprints that can aid investigations if properly managed.
“These digital traces can be powerful tools, but only if they are correctly identified, preserved and analysed,” he said.
He described the increase in online child exploitation as “deeply concerning”, highlighting its long-lasting psychological, emotional and social impact on victims. He emphasised the responsibility of authorities not only to enforce the law but also to ensure victims are identified, protected and supported throughout the justice process.
The training aims to equip participants with practical skills to investigate OCSEA, GBV, VAC and TIP cases, strengthen understanding of child safeguarding principles, and improve the handling of digital evidence through proper forensic practices.
Sakaria also commended collaboration between key stakeholders, including the Namibian Police, UNICEF Namibia and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, saying such partnerships are essential in tackling increasingly complex digital threats.
He urged participants to use the training to deepen cooperation and improve service delivery, noting that their role as first responders is critical in securing successful prosecutions and preventing further harm.
“The children of Namibia are depending on us, and we must not fail them,” he said.
Sakaria reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, calling for continuous adaptation, collaboration and capacity building in response to evolving criminal trends.
