Windhoek
As many travelled outside of Windhoek to enjoy the festive season with loved ones, criminals were busy breaking into people’s houses, and the informal settlement of Havana was no exception.
The leader of the Women and Men network in the Moses Garoeb Constituency, Johannes David, told New Era that the community-policing group, together with community members recovered various stolen items, such as gas cylinders, clothing, food and radios on January 3.
He said the items were stolen during house break-ins and noted that more than ten shacks were broken into while their owners were away for the holidays.
“The community worked hand in hand with the Women and Men network and the police to curb crime in this area,” David said.
Havana informal settlement has a high crime rate because there are many shacks and no household electricity, which make it easier for criminals to successfully carry out their activities, he said.
The criminals, he said, were also tormenting residents who work late by waiting for them at the intersections where taxis drop them off. The perpetrators, he said, are typically young men between the ages of 15 and 22.
“They wait for those people who are knocking off late at the four-way stop, where the tarred road ends, and they snatch their belongings.
“In severe cases they also stab their victims with knives and broken bottles,” David explained.