NKURENKURU – The Kavango West region recorded a reduction in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and overall crime cases in the first quarter of 2026, the Namibian Police Force’s (NamPol) acting regional commander, Adrian Sikukutu has said.

Speaking to Nampa in an interview  yesterday, Sikukutu said crime statistics from January to April show a decline in both overall offences and GBV-related incidents across the region’s police stations.

He said 230 general crime cases were reported from January to April 2026, compared to 286 cases during the same period in 2025, representing a decrease of 56 cases.
“This reflects a noticeable reduction in criminal activities within the region during the current reporting period,” Sikukutu said.

The most common crimes remain housebreaking and theft, assault read with domestic violence, and stock theft, which continue to dominate dockets opened at police stations.

With regards to GBV, Sikukutu said 24 cases were recorded between January and April this year, down from 29 cases during the same period last year.
“The GBV cases decreased from 29 to 24, which represents a reduction of about 17%,” he noted.

The GBV reports include rape and assault cases read with domestic violence. Sikukutu said the age range of suspects in GBV cases is mainly between 17 and 45 years, while many victims are between 30 years and above 50 years.

“This shows that GBV incidents mainly affect adults in family and relationship settings,” he said.
He added that one GBV case was withdrawn by a complainant during the period, something he described as worrying.

“The withdrawal of GBV cases remains a major challenge as it negatively affects successful prosecution and justice delivery,” Sikukutu said.

He said seven GBV cases are still under investigation, while several suspects linked to GBV offences were arrested following complaints and police investigations.
According to Sikukutu, the decline in crime and GBV may be linked to improved community awareness, visible policing and crime prevention activities in the region.

He called for continued cooperation between the police, traditional leaders, churches, schools and communities to sustain the downward trend and to encourage victims of GBV to report cases and support prosecutions. -Nampa 

Photo: Heather Erdmann