WALVIS BAY – Growing concerns over the safety of tourists in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund have prompted stakeholders in the tourism sector and the business community to call for strengthening collaborative efforts to fight crime at the coast.

Isolated incidents have been reported of tourists being robbed, especially in secluded areas they visit while exploring tourist attractions.

Kenneth Kapitako, interim vice chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Walvis Bay branch, expressed the tourism sector’s concerns during a stakeholders’ engagement hosted on Tuesday evening in Walvis Bay. He emphasised the importance of protecting Namibia’s tourism industry by addressing the rising crimewave targeting visitors in the region.

He said the tourism sector is anxious over the incidents, particularly in areas around the Walvis Bay Lagoon and Swakopmund. “In the past three years, we’ve seen an alarming increase in crime targeting tourists, especially those moving around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund,” Kapitako added.

Crime targeting tourists puts the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry at risk, as the tourism sector is incredibly sensitive. “Any negative perception could have a severe impact on Namibia’s reputation as a safe destination,” he noted. Kapitako pointed to the importance of the sector in terms of job-creation, especially now that it is in recovery after the impact of Covid-19.

He said if tourists stop coming to Namibia, particularly through Walvis Bay, it will hurt not only the town, but the entire country’s economy. “An injury to one is an injury to all.  We have been working closely with law-enforcement agencies, but more needs to be done. We must tackle this issue as a community because if Namibia is perceived as unsafe, it will damage the business landscape and the economy,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Erongo’s Namibian Police Commissioner Nikolas Kupembona acknowledged the concerns of the business community, but reassured attendees that the force is committed to safeguarding the region’s economic interests by ensuring the safety of tourists.

“Erongo is an economic hub, and it’s our duty to protect everyone within its boundaries, especially tourists. Though we’ve had isolated incidents of tourists being attacked, we’ve made significant arrests, and are working to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.

Kupembona pointed to a recent attack whereby tourists were robbed in the Lagoon area. Luckily, prompt action resulted in the suspects being arrested within a matter of days. He highlighted a recent breakthrough in which police apprehended suspects involved in a tourist attack, recovering stolen goods in the process. “We must continue working with the community, and use technology to help us monitor crime hotspots more effectively,” Kupembona added. He furthermore called on the business sector to consider assisting the police by setting up CCTV cameras in hotspot areas as this will not only assist the police in fighting crime, but also deter criminals from committing crimes.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba said arresting offenders is not enough to deter repeat offenders. Hence, stakeholders need to look at other ways to deter criminals.

“We arrest them, they go through the justice system, get bail, and repeat similar crimes. We need to find permanent solutions by keeping these youths engaged and away from criminal activities,” he said.

Shapumba added that it is time for the towns to consider artificial intelligence to combat crime. “We can’t rely solely on police patrols. Criminals adapt to police movements. With the right technology, like surveillance cameras, we can monitor high-risk areas and respond quickly to criminal activity,” he observed.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na