The Erongo Police will continue their special operations to arrest drug dealers, thieves, and other criminals terrorising Swakopmund residents.

Chief Inspector Iileni Shapumba says recent operations in this regard have yielded success.

The Erongo police have been carrying out special operations on the streets of Swakopmund to decrease crime.

Residents, especially in the Mondesa and DRC informal settlements, have said their streets are no longer safe.

On consecutive weekends in June, three people were murdered in cold blood, and the residents believe police presence can make a difference.

Through the special operations carried out on different days, 14 people between the ages of 20 and 50 were arrested for dealing drugs worth over N$100,000.

Chief Inspector Shapumba added that violent crimes, particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, mostly happen at places of entertainment.

"The car washes are currently turned into liquor outlets; they are turned into places of entertainment where people are supposed to go and entertain themselves. I do not know. Maybe after entertainment, you must harm, or maybe harming is also part of entertainment, but we are saying we have a responsibility. When you are running a business, you must make sure that your patrons are protected. There is security at your place." 

Shapumba urged the community to work together to create initiatives that can divert residents, especially the youth, from taking up a career in crime.