GBV crisis: ‘Silence and indifference are no longer options’
State-of-the-art Omatjete police station opened
The Christian Eerike Zeraeua Police Station was officially inaugurated in the Omatjete settlement near Omaruru in the Erongo region last week by safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu.
“Naming this police station after Chief Zeraeua is a powerful act of remembrance," the minister said.
"He was a visionary leader whose life’s work centred on protecting his people, uniting communities and advancing socio-economic well-being. This station is a living monument to his legacy of courage, integrity, and service.”
Iipumbu took the opportunity to also raise her concerns about the persistent rise of gender-based violence (GBV) in Namibia.
“Statistics show that crimes against women and children are increasing, and the Erongo region is severely affected. Gender-based violence violates human rights, betrays our cultural values, and attacks our national principles. It must not be tolerated, excused, or hidden.”
Iipumbu called on traditional leaders, church leaders, community leaders and residents to stand with the police in combating violence.
"We must speak out, support survivors, challenge harmful norms and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Silence and indifference are no longer options.”
Uphold the law
To officers stationed at Omatjete, she must take their duties seriously.
“You carry the name of a leader who placed his people first. You wear the uniform of a force central to peace, stability and nation-building,” she said.
“Serve with dedication, professionalism and integrity; uphold the rule of law; respect and protect human rights; treat everyone with dignity; and build strong, honest relations with the community you serve.”
Iipumbu emphasised that the station is part of government’s broader plan to expand law enforcement services, especially in rural and remote communities.
“The completion of this police station is not an isolated achievement," she said.
"It will enhance service delivery, improve response times and reinforce public safety in this part of the Erongo region,” she said.
The state-of-the-art facility features a charge office with eight offices, a boardroom, an interview room, record rooms, walk-in safes and holding rooms.
It also includes oxidation ponds, two three-bedroom houses and two barracks with ten rooms for men and six for women police officers.
Additional facilities include a cell block with three holding cells, dining areas and a kitchen, two mortuary cabinets with an office and viewing area, a borehole ensuring a reliable water supply, and a filling station with two 30 000-litre diesel and petrol tanks.
Tackle crime
Iipumbu emphasised that crime remains a serious and evolving challenge.
“We face theft, housebreaking, stock theft, substance abuse and other forms of criminality that erode the social fabric of our communities. I state firmly that we will not allow criminal elements to hold our communities hostage.”
The minister also called on the local community to share responsibility for safety.
“Safety is a shared duty. It requires the active involvement of communities, businesses, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and all government institutions.”
Iipumbu urged Omatjete and surrounding village residents to report criminal activities without fear, cooperate fully with the police, reject the harbouring of criminals or stolen goods and foster a culture of lawfulness and mutual respect.
“When communities and the police stand together, crime has no space to thrive.”
Be safe
With the festive season approaching, Iipumbu reminded the public to prioritise safety on roads and in communities.
"I urge every Namibian to exercise caution on our roads, avoid speeding and drunk driving, respect the law, report suspicious behaviour, and look out for one another, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons."
She called on Namibians to celebrate responsibly, protect their families and ensure the spirit of peace and goodwill defines this festive season.
"Together, we can make this period not only memorable but also safe for all.”
“Naming this police station after Chief Zeraeua is a powerful act of remembrance," the minister said.
"He was a visionary leader whose life’s work centred on protecting his people, uniting communities and advancing socio-economic well-being. This station is a living monument to his legacy of courage, integrity, and service.”
Iipumbu took the opportunity to also raise her concerns about the persistent rise of gender-based violence (GBV) in Namibia.
“Statistics show that crimes against women and children are increasing, and the Erongo region is severely affected. Gender-based violence violates human rights, betrays our cultural values, and attacks our national principles. It must not be tolerated, excused, or hidden.”
Iipumbu called on traditional leaders, church leaders, community leaders and residents to stand with the police in combating violence.
"We must speak out, support survivors, challenge harmful norms and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Silence and indifference are no longer options.”
Uphold the law
To officers stationed at Omatjete, she must take their duties seriously.
“You carry the name of a leader who placed his people first. You wear the uniform of a force central to peace, stability and nation-building,” she said.
“Serve with dedication, professionalism and integrity; uphold the rule of law; respect and protect human rights; treat everyone with dignity; and build strong, honest relations with the community you serve.”
Iipumbu emphasised that the station is part of government’s broader plan to expand law enforcement services, especially in rural and remote communities.
“The completion of this police station is not an isolated achievement," she said.
"It will enhance service delivery, improve response times and reinforce public safety in this part of the Erongo region,” she said.
The state-of-the-art facility features a charge office with eight offices, a boardroom, an interview room, record rooms, walk-in safes and holding rooms.
It also includes oxidation ponds, two three-bedroom houses and two barracks with ten rooms for men and six for women police officers.
Additional facilities include a cell block with three holding cells, dining areas and a kitchen, two mortuary cabinets with an office and viewing area, a borehole ensuring a reliable water supply, and a filling station with two 30 000-litre diesel and petrol tanks.
Tackle crime
Iipumbu emphasised that crime remains a serious and evolving challenge.
“We face theft, housebreaking, stock theft, substance abuse and other forms of criminality that erode the social fabric of our communities. I state firmly that we will not allow criminal elements to hold our communities hostage.”
The minister also called on the local community to share responsibility for safety.
“Safety is a shared duty. It requires the active involvement of communities, businesses, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and all government institutions.”
Iipumbu urged Omatjete and surrounding village residents to report criminal activities without fear, cooperate fully with the police, reject the harbouring of criminals or stolen goods and foster a culture of lawfulness and mutual respect.
“When communities and the police stand together, crime has no space to thrive.”
Be safe
With the festive season approaching, Iipumbu reminded the public to prioritise safety on roads and in communities.
"I urge every Namibian to exercise caution on our roads, avoid speeding and drunk driving, respect the law, report suspicious behaviour, and look out for one another, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons."
She called on Namibians to celebrate responsibly, protect their families and ensure the spirit of peace and goodwill defines this festive season.
"Together, we can make this period not only memorable but also safe for all.”
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