"You are the first responder, but who responds to you?" These were the words of the Mayor of Windhoek, Queen Kamati, to the City Police and NamPol before the night patrol. 

Kamati commended the police for their unwavering commitment to maintaining law, order, and safety in the city.

She also acknowledged the emotional and psychological toll that such work can have on individuals.

"You are the first responders, but who responds to you? Do you understand that we call out to you for support when my boyfriend beats me, for example, or I am in an abusive relationship, but when you're going through something, I have observed men and women in uniform, you either resign, you go into depression, or you keep quiet and move on with life. It is not normal you need to adapt to a culture of speaking out."

The mayor's appeal comes at a time when there is increasing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement personnel worldwide.

In Windhoek, efforts are being made to destigmatize the conversation around mental health in the police force.

"You feel like you are brave, you are strong, and you do not want to come out and speak because you feel or have that fear of victimization, and you have that fear of people saying you are a coward. You are not a coward. Please, let's learn to speak out, to support one another, and to love one another."