WINDHOEK – The Namibian Police Force and the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund have jointly confirmed that 21 people died in road accidents during the long Easter weekend.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NamPol headquarters, the police chief, Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga said the deaths were recorded between March 25 and April 6.
He said that the Otjozondjupa Region recorded the highest number of road crashes during the long weekend with 10 fatalities.
He announced that the Namibian Police Traffic Law Enforcement Division had 18 checkpoints throughout the country and 21 973 vehicles were stopped and 1 800 people tested for alcohol.
Only three came back positive.
The police also issued 225 summonses for driving over the speed limit, which amounted to N$450 000 in fines.
All in all, Ndeitunga said, 597 summonses were issued for various traffic offences with a total monetary value of N$1 426 575.
According to the police chief, 66 accidents were recorded, up from 53 last year, while 113 were injured also up from last year’s 103.
At the same event, Ndeitunga spoke about road user’s behaviour towards emergency vehicles and the VIP vehicles and their escort vehicles.
He said that it is with great concern observed that some drivers refuse to yield to VIP escorts and other emergency vehicles, despite the fact that these vehicles are distinctively marked and their presence indicated by audible sirens.
According to Ndeitunga, the disrespect and total disregard for VIP escorts and emergency vehicles have reached an intolerable level on the national road network and he warns motorists, drivers, passengers and cyclists alike that the Namibian Police Force would take a “strong stance against any person alleged to have conducted or displayed himself or herself in a manner that is contrary to the lawfully expected behaviour and attitude”.
He appealed to motorists to show respect to the VIP motorcades and be courteous.
“Let’s show respect to our leaders as these motorcades usually only takes a few minutes to pass,” Ndeitunga implored.