Nuusita Ashipala
ONGWEDIVA – While the Oshana Region is a hive of activity, with the ongoing Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, the police say they have so far recorded less crimes compared to the same time in previous years.
Namibian Police Force acting public relations officer Inspector Petrus Iimbili said since the start of the trade fair, the police have only received reports of crimes such as cellphone snatching.
He said the police are doing their best to be visible at all corners in order to curb or reduce crime in the region significantly.
“We are prepared to fight crime and want to ensure criminals have no chance to commit crime,” Iimbili said.
Iimbili however warned traders to be cautious when handling money, especially when giving change to customers.
“Not all the customers are genuine, some want to see where the traders are keeping their money so that they can distract them and rob them of their hard-earned cash.”
He also cautioned the traders to use safe transport back home to equally avoid being lured into criminal vehicles.
“We advise people especially the traders to inspect the cars they get into at the end of the day when they conclude their business because criminals can prey on them,” Iimbili added.
The police further advised the general public to be vigilant and not to lose sight of their belongings when at the trade fair.
In the same vein, the police cautioned parents to strictly supervise their children when they take them to the trade fair.
Iimbili said the police have with concern observed minors wandering around without any parental supervision.
“We want to ensure that everyone is safe, including children, hence parents please ensure that children are supervised at all times,” said Iimbili.
The trade fair ends on Saturday.