Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister, Albert Kawana, has reiterated the importance of having conducive environments for police officers to carry out all necessary police functions.

The minister made these remarks at the inauguration of the new Tutaleni Police Station in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, where he noted that this can only be achieved with the availability of modern infrastructure, proper equipment and relevant knowledge and skills.

“Government ensured that important projects such as this one are realised, which will not only add value to the day-to-day security of the surrounding communities, but will also contribute to the infrastructural map of the Erongo Region. It is important to stress that the existence of police stations alone does not mean anything if they are not supported by a sufficient number of police officers, whose conduct is beyond reproach and who are fully devoted to their career,” he said.

The minister called out corrupt officers, urging the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) and its entire management to ensure that such dishonest members are relieved of their duties to make way for loyal and patriotic Namibians who will replace them, in conformity with the relevant laws.

“It is unacceptable when we learn about some police officers conniving with criminals and, in some cases, even assisting criminals to escape after other patriotic members of the police have apprehended them for the crimes they committed.”

Meanwhile, NamPol Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, at the same event expressed his disappointment at the discriminatory treatment of citizens due to their tribal or racial backgrounds by some police officers.

Shikongo urged all police officers to desist from all forms of discrimination based particularly on someone’s tribal or racial background.

“We should rededicate ourselves to stand for professionalism and deliver service to all people in Namibia regardless of race, tribal and ethnic linkages,” he said.

The N.dollars 127 million station consists of a charge office; eight holding cells; a boardroom; 23 offices; two blocks of barracks with 40 bedrooms; three houses; two guard houses; service building; small soccer field; parking areas doubling as parade grounds, and a petrol station

Source: The Namibian Press Agency