Sebastian Ndeitunga

Lieutenant General (rtd) Sebastian Ndeitunga (nom-de-guerre Haitota) (born 1962) is a Namibian police officer and politician, currently serving as a regional governor of Ohangwena Region. He was inspector general of the Namibian Police Force from 2005 to 2022.

Sebastian Ndeitunga
Governor of Ohangwena Region
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 November 2023
President	Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Walde Ndevashiya
Inspector general of the Namibian Police Force
In office 2005–2022
President	Hifikepunye Pohamba Hage Geingob
Preceded by	Lucas Hangula
Succeeded by	Joseph Shikongo
Personal details
Born	1962 (age 61–62)
Nationality	Namibian
Alma mater	University of Havana

Early life and education

Ndeitunga was born around 1962 in an Angolan village a few kilometres north of the Namibian border. He did not have a birth certificate until 1993 when he made a sworn statement to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs.^[1] Ndeitunga holds a Bachelor of Laws and a postgraduate certificate in maritime law from the University of Havana in Cuba.^{[citation needed]}

In 1975 he became a SWAPO member.^[2]

Career

In 2005, Ndeitunga was appointed inspector general of the Namibian Police Force by president Hifikepunye Pohamba. He succeeded Lucas Hangula.^[3] When he retired in August 2022, Ndeitunga was the longest serving police chief since Namibian independence.^[4][5] Ndeitunga was also vice president of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for Africa.^[6][7][8]

On 16 November 2023 Ndeitunga was called out of retirement by president Hage Geingob to replace Walde Ndevashiya as governor of Ohangwena Region.^[9][2]

Awards and recognition

• Outstanding Meritorious Service of Highest Order, awarded by the President of the Republic of Namibia,
• SARPCCO Medal for distinct service and the International Leadership Award from the United Kingdom^[10]
• Most Distinguished Order of Namibia: First Class, conferred on Heroes' Day 2014.^[11]

References

1. Menges, Werner (5 June 2014). "Ndeitunga defends his Namibian citizenship". The Namibian.
2. Ndeyanale, Eliaser; Vatileni, Eino (16 November 2023). "Northern leaders called for Ndevashiya's head". The Namibian.
3. "Ndeitunga targets top Interpol post". New Era. 27 September 2016.
4. Shihepo, Timo (22 July 2022). "Ndeitunga's Final Salute". The Namibian.
5. Mongudhi, Tileni (8 June 2022). "Race for Ndeitunga's successor heats up". The Namibian.
6. "Executive Committee / Structure and governance / About INTERPOL / Internet / Home - INTERPOL". Interpol.int. Retrieved 2016-10-05.
7. "Ndeitunga detained at Frankfurt airport". New Era. Retrieved 2016-10-05.
8. New Era Publication Corporation. "Sebastian Ndeitunga | New Era Newspaper Namibia". Newera.com.na. Retrieved 2016-10-05.
9. "Sebastian Ndeitunga appointed Ohangwena Regional Governor". Namibia Economist. 15 November 2023.
10. http://www.nampol.gov.na/campaign
11. "Namibians honoured by President". New Era. 28 August 2014.