OPUWO – The Kunene region has seen a relatively sharp decline in crime activity over the years, but the situation is seemingly changing following the inclusion of Outjo district – which, for years, was served by the Otjozondjupa police.
According to head of police operations DeputyCommissioner Joran Iita, between 2016 and 2017, the crime rate in the region declined by 6% and 8%, respectively, while a sharp decline of 13% was recorded in 2019.
Iita said the crime rate went up by 23% in 2020 after Outjo was transferred to Kunene in April after initially falling part of Otjozondjupa in the last years.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, at least 45% of the crimes recorded in the region emanate from the Outjo district.
Other policing areas whose crime rates are high are Opuwo, which recorded 20% last year and Khorixas with 12%.
He said criminals are taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic and are using the restricted hours to engage in criminal activities, such as stock theft.
In the quest to reduce the crime rate in Outjo and subsequently in the region, the region has deployed members of the crime prevention and investigators at the town.
“We have also started a lot of operations in the area, and it is working,” said Iita.
Following the measures put in place, the region saw a decline of 3% in December cases and 6% in January already.
The trending cases in Outjo are drugs, armed robbery and stock theft.
On road accidents, Iita said the region recorded 178 road crashes during 2020, while 41 fatalities were reported between 2019 and 2020.
Other crimes of concern in the region are housebreaking, which last month increased in the region, especially when the people have gone to work.
Also of concern are gender-based-violence related cases that are left unreported.
According to Iita, the police and stakeholders have over the years engaged the community and educating them on issues around GBV.
“Today, we can report that since last year, these reports have been coming through,” said Iita.