Lahja Nashuuta 

At Eenhana Police Station in northern Namibia, Sergeant (Sgt) Eunice Mwaetako works quietly behind the scenes. 

She is a radio operator, one of the most important jobs in the police force. Her work helps police officers stay connected and safe during emergencies. Sgt Mwaetako’s story shows that not all heroes are seen on the frontlines. 

Some, like her, sit at a desk with a headset, guiding officers, helping people, and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

With a calm voice, quick thinking and a love for justice, Sgt Mwaetako plays a big role in keeping the police service strong and effective. She does not arrest people or patrol the streets, but her job is key to police operations. 

She works in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division, sending messages over the radio, guiding police to crime scenes, and making sure officers and the public get help when they need it. 

“I make sure the right message reaches the right people at the right time. In this job, seconds matter,” she said. 

A strong calling 

Sgt Mwaetako joined the Namibian Police Force on 1 June 2015, starting at Okongo Police Station. Before that, she worked for three years as an unqualified teacher, a job she enjoyed. 

However, she felt a stronger pull to serve in law enforcement. “I always had a deep passion for justice and helping others,” she shared. She added: “I didn’t grow up wanting to be a police officer, but I realised this is how I could truly make a difference”. 

As she learned more about police work, Sgt Mwaetako’s passion grew. She revealed that she was inspired by how police officers help people, restore order and solve crimes. 

As a radio operator, Sgt Mwaetako works in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. She is the main link between officers and the control room during emergencies. Her voice helps guide them during robberies, accidents and other incidents.“In emergencies, people can panic. But I have to stay calm and focused,” she said. 

“A mistake from me could put someone’s life at risk,” she stated. 

One of the challenges Mwaetako faces is handling many incidents at the same time. 

She must be fast, organised and able to make quick decisions. “Sometimes, it feels like I’m doing ten things at once, but that’s the job,” she said. 

Even with thestress, she stays committed. “The job is demanding, but it’s worth it. I know I’m helping keep people safe,” she said. 

Proud moment 

One moment that stands out in Sgt Mwaetako’s career happened in November 2020. 

Narrating the incident, she said three armed robbers stole over N$1 million from a local business. Her quick action helped the police to apprehend the suspects the following day. 

“I sent backup units right away, and gave them updates as things happened,” she said. 

“The police arrested the suspects, recovered all the money, and found the weapons and tools they used,” Sgt Mwaetako recalled. 

She believes that even though she was not at the scene, she played a big part in solving the case. 

“That reminded me why my job matters. I was part of a team that brought justice,” she maintained. 

Building trust 

Sgt Mwaetako sees her job as a way to build trust between the police and public. 

“When people see that police respond fast and do their job well, they feel safer. That’s how trust grows,” she said. 

She believes good communication matters not just over the radio but also with the public. 

“Sometimes, calming a victim or letting them know help is coming can make a big difference. People want to feel heard and supported,” she remarked. 

When asked about the view that some public workers are lazy, she said: “People will always have opinions. But not all of us are the same. Some of us work hard and give our best every day”. 

Looking ahead, Sgt Mwaetako plans to stay in the police until retirement. 

But she still has big dreams. 

She wants to grow into leadership roles, improve her skills in emergency work and learn more about new policing tools. 

She hopes to get involved in community programmes that bring the police and public closer together. 

On a personal level, she wants to go back to school to study policing, public administration or security management. 

She wants to stay healthy, save money and travel. 

“There’s so much to see and learn in the world,” she said with a smile. 

lnashuuta@nepc.com.na