WALVIS BAY - A total of 112 257 criminal cases were reported countrywide during the 2022/23 financial year, compared to 98 640 cases during the previous year.
Of the total criminal cases reported during the 2022/23 financial year, 8 709 cases were listed in the Erongo region, with crimes ranging from theft, stock theft, housebreaking and theft, to common assault, assault GBH and fraud.
These statistics were revealed by the Namibian Police Force’s (NamPol) Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Major General Elias Mutota, during the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the Namibian Police Force at Walvis Bay on Thursday.
He said the overall serious crimes reported during the same period included 354 murder cases, 1 534 rape cases and 454 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Additionally, 557 cases of attempted murder, 282 of the pointing of firearms, 14 human trafficking and 28 301 GBV cases were reported.
“These statistics should remind us to redouble our efforts in preventing crimes and apprehending suspects. Despite the resources’ challenges, central government has ensured that infrastructural development of the Force was prioritised to ensure that policing services were brought closer to the people. Thus, we should try to do our best with the resources at our disposal,” Mutota said.
Meanwile, the Narraville police station was awarded the best police station in the Erongo region, while the Anti-stock Theft Investigation sub-division is the best sub-division in the region.
The Swakopmund traffic unit was named the best-run unit during an awards ceremony at the event.
The best investigator of the year is Detective Senior Inspector Johan Henry Geiseb, while Sergeant Johannes Hamutenya is the best-disciplined member in the region.
Erongo governor Neville Andre commended the men and women in uniform for their dedication and hard work in striving to protect the Namibian nation.
“However, let us remember that there is still work to be done. We must adapt to ensure that our police force remains effective and efficient in safeguarding our society,” he added.
Crime in Oshana reduces
In the Oshana region, crimes of concern for the year 2021/2022 in comparison to 2022/2023 have shown a reduction.
Statistics show that a total number of 5 795 cases were reported during the year 2021 to 2022, as opposed to the year 2022 to 2023 when 5 412 cases were reported, showing a reduction of 383 cases.
Speaking at the festive season road safety campaign launch of 2023/2024, which was also attended by Oshana governor Elia Irimari, Oshana regional police commander, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria said they would not allow visitors or regional residents to commit any crimes.
“If you look at it case by case, you will be concerned with housebreaking at residential premises, theft of motor- vehicles, and assault and theft under false pretences, which projects a slight increase during the festive season in comparison to other parts of the year,” he noted.
Sakaria stated that the mentioned crimes are committed for obvious reasons like people leaving their homes unattended, fighting because of alcohol, and leaving vulnerable items in cars at malls and shopping areas.
Turning to the business community, he said the Namibian Police want people to conduct business in line with the laws of the country.
“We shall allow our liquor outlets to conduct business as per their trading licences. We have made enough enquiries into the Liquor Act, and it does not indiscriminately prevent the trading of liquor on public holidays, unless indicated in your licence,” said Sakaria.
He further observed that combating crime is indeed a matrix of variables, and needs an integrated approach from various stakeholders to make an impact and achieve the objective of effective policing and realising a vision of a safer Oshana region.
Governor Irimari advised all pedestrians to ensure that the road is safe before crossing, to only cross at designated areas, and to look out for oncoming vehicles in all directions.
“As parents, we should educate our children about the dangers of walking alongside the road, how to cross, and when to cross the road,” he reiterated.
Irimari then urged all farmers to make sure that their livestock are not near roads during the festive season, as it could endanger road users and cause unexpected accidents.
- Nampa