At least 16 people were killed on national roads during the Easter weekend. 

The number of injuries sustained during the past weekend also increased tremendously by 35% after a total number of 122 injuries were recorded in comparison with the previous year’s 27.

This was announced by the police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi in a media statement this week.

Shikwambi said a total number of 74 accidents were recorded in comparison to 19 recorded last year. 

Last year, four people died on national roads during the Easter weekend.

“The reason for the increase in accidents is that during Easter 2020, Covid-19 lockdown measures were applied and as a result, there was no vehicle movements. For Easter 2021, the Covid-19 regulations were lifted and therefore people could travel freely, that is why the accidents, injuries and fatalities increased as seen above,” she stated.

Khomas region recorded the highest number of 20 accidents, followed by the Oshana with nine, Omusati eight, and Erongo and Oshikoto recorded seven each.

//Kharas and Ohangwena recorded four accidents each, while Zambezi and Omaheke recorded three each. Kavango, Kunene and Hardap registered one accident each.

Fatalities statistics show that the Otjozondjupa region has recorded the highest number of four people. Kunene, Omusati, Oshana and Khomas roads claimed two lives each, while Omaheke, Zambezi, Ohangwena and //Kharas recorded one fatality each.

The police spokesperson further indicated that 1 107 admission of guilt fines were issued with a total value of N$1. 2 million during the same period.

Most of these fines were for speeding (137), drivers’ fitness (136).

A total number of 64 courtesy notifications were issued during the operations conducted over the Easter weekend, while 20 people were arrested for drunk driving offences. Eighty-five warrants of arrest were executed.

- ljason@nepc.com.na