The Police have inaugurated the N$127 million Tutaleni Police Station at Walvis Bay.

Last month, the Erongo Police revealed to members of Parliament that the dilapidated infrastructure and a lack of office space were among the main challenges hampering their mandate.

The construction and inauguration of the Tutaleni Police Station at Walvis Bay are expected to bring relief to the force.

Among others, the station comprises a charge office, 23 offices, holding cells, barracks for 40 officers, a number of three-bedroom houses, and a petrol station.

The Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Minister, Dr. Albert Kawana, however, warns that the existence of a police station means nothing if the officers are not sufficient or their conduct is questionable.

"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 such criminals for the crimes they have committed. Hence the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force and the entire management of the force are under obligation in terms of our laws to ensure that such dishonest members, a few of whom, of course, we refer to as rotten apples, are relieved of their duties."

Non-functional vehicles, or in some cases, a lack of vehicles, is another challenge impeding the success of the Erongo Police.

One single cab, two sedans, a minibus, and computers were therefore issued to the officers at the new station.

"The force cannot win crime alone; I am therefore appealing to the law-abiding citizens of our country to join the police to intensify our crime efforts and work closely together," appealed the police chief, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.

Local businessman Antonio Rodriguez handed over a voucher worth N$10,000 for the acquisition of stationery, while Tutaleni Mwatunga donated the same amount in cash for the maintenance of police cars.