Member of the National Assembly, Mike Venaani has submitted a motion to discuss what causes the high crime in the country.
The aim of the motion is to seek an urgent intervention from the members of the National Assembly.
The Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) MP said it is an important motion which will ensure that crime in Namibia is significantly reduced.
“This motion is of great importance as it seeks to ensure the safety of the Namibian people,” he added.
According to Venaani, a crime is a deliberate act that causes physical or psychological harm, damage to or loss of property, and is against the law.
The MP said nearly everyone will experience crime at some point in their lives.
He indicated that Namibia is still experiencing a high number of crimes, particularly violent crimes such as robbery, gender-based violence (GBV) together with rape, murder and assault as well as economic crimes such as cybercrime, and cross-border and trans-national organised crimes such as human and drug trafficking.
In addition, between the years 2021 and 2022, a total of 98 640 criminal cases were reported countrywide, showing an increase of 7% compared to the previous year.
“Out of those cases, Khomas, Oshana, and Otjozondjupa regions have the highest crime rates, whereas Kavango West, Kunene, and Omaheke recorded the least number of cases,” he said.
He also mentioned that stock theft not only has severe financial impacts on the farmers and their employees but also the Namibian livestock industry and the general Namibian economy.
In addition, Venaani said rhino poaching is also a serious problem in Namibia where 487 rhinos were poached for their horns in the year 2022.
“Women and children continue to suffer sexual abuse by male offenders,” he lamented.
Statistics have revealed that from 2019 to July 2022, around 4 000 Namibian women fell victim to rape.
“The months of January and August 2021 alone recorded nearly 700 rape cases, affecting women and girls. Despite efforts to impose harder sentences for rape offenders, the number of women and children falling victim to these crimes continues to rise. We therefore need to find urgent solutions,” he further stressed.
He urged the members of the National Assembly to greatly contribute to the important motion, so that they collectively ensure the safety for all citizens and the protection of property.
- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na