Namibian Police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga has urged all regional commanders to continue analysing crime trends in their jurisdictions so as to assess where resources - particularly human, technical equipment and vehicles - need to be deployed to combat the scourge.

“Crime in Namibia is on an upward trajectory, and will require serious intervention from both the police and the communities to turn around,” he stated during the commemoration of the 31st National Police Day, held on Wednesday at Oshakati.

He said they have noticed a rapid increase in several crimes such as gender-based violence (GBV), rape, murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“During the period 2020/21, a total of 92 251 criminal cases were reported countrywide, and a total of 178 987 cases brought forward from the 2019/20 financial year,” explained Ndeitunga.

It, therefore, brings the total cases at the end of the current financial year to 271 238.

Out of the 92 251 cases reported during the 2020/21 financial year, the Khomas, Oshana and Otjozondjupa regions recorded the highest crime rates, representing 34%, 11% and 8%, respectively. 

“Of the 271 238 cases, 105 634 were cleared, which represents a 39% clearance rate,” Ndeitunga noted.

He said during the period under review, the Kavango West, Kunene and Omaheke regions recorded the least cases, with a rate of 1%, 2% and 3%, respectively.

Overall, the force has recorded 308 cases of murder, 1 205 cases of rape, 418 cases of robbery with a firearm, 4 445 domestic violence cases, 461 attempted murder cases, 256 cases of pointing of firearms, 13 cases of trafficking in persons, 3 160 stock theft cases, 2 115 cases of illicit drugs, 196 cases of arson, 7 487 cases of housebreaking of residential premises, and 403 cases of the theft of motor-vehicles.