MARIENTAL – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Hardap region on Monday officially launched the 2024/2025 festive season road safety campaign at the Mariental/Aranos junction traffic checkpoint.

The campaign is aimed at saving lives, and reducing road accidents and traffic laws violations during the festive season.

In his speech, Hardap governor Salomon April offered words of encouragement to the police officers in attendance.

He said “A police officer is a powerful thing. It is your job not only to protect us, but to educate us in our wrongdoings. Please continue to do that. While you carry out these operations, please be polite with community members”.

Also speaking at the event was Namibian Police Hardap regional commander Sidney Philander, who commended all stakeholders who worked with the police to ensure peace and stability in the region during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“I would like to thank, in particular the political leadership of the Hardap region, and the communities for their exemplary and peaceful conduct throughout the entire process,” he said.

He assured the public that the Hardap police are still equipped and ready to maintain peace and order in the region.

He announced that for the 2023/2024 period, a total of 447 road crashes were recorded with 837 injuries and 79 fatalities.

He added that 334 fatalities were recorded between 1 January and 3 November 2024.

“These figures highlight the ongoing road and safety challenges, and indicate that many road users are still not complying with safety regulations,” he said.

-Nampa