Namibia faces growing crime pandemic

Namibia is facing a continuously growing ‘pandemic’ of gender-based violence (GBV), car accidents and other crimes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries to locals and visitors.

This according to Namibian Police Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo, who was speaking during a preparatory meeting for the 2023/2024 festive season crime prevention and road safety operation.

The countrywide campaign commences on Friday, 17 November, and will run until Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

Shikongo said the crime pandemic demonstrates that a lot still needs to be done to reverse the current status quo in Namibia.

He said crimes frequently occur during the festive season and school holidays, when thousands travel from their homes to destinations around the country and beyond.

Law enforcement officers should therefore remain committed to fulfilling their mandate and ensuring that people move freely without the fear of crime, he said.

“Crimes such as housebreaking and theft, robberies and theft out of motor vehicles – among others - are increasing due to the fact that criminals find opportunities to make money during this period of the year.”

Cause for concern

According to Shikongo, crime is a major cause for concern for the entire nation, and visitors alike.

“Crime prevention initiatives are important to create a sense of security and safety in our communities, which will undoubtedly impact positively on the progressive investment and socio-economic development of our society.

“The aim of this festive season campaign is to preserve road safety on national roads, prevent crime, save lives and ensure the protection of properties.”

Shikongo said the key focus areas include targeting identified hot-spots, increasing police visibility, improving response time and ensuring robust traffic law enforcement.

Police will also target alcohol and drug abuse, excessive speed and drunk driving and un-roadworthy vehicles while increasing the number of fixed and mobile roadblocks.

To achieve these objectives, there will be multiple intelligence-driven operations and heightened police visibility at hot-spots and areas where large numbers gather during holidays, like beaches and tourist destinations, he said.

“This will include regular vehicular and foot patrols, sporadic road blocks and the search and tracing of wanted suspects.”

All hands on deck

The police chief said it will be all hands on deck during this festive season, with only a few members of the force left in offices to attend to administrative matters.

“The majority of members should be deployed in the streets, at hot-spots and other critical areas.”

Regional commanders should reinforce permanent traffic checkpoints and establish more temporary ones along national roads, he said.

“I would like to encourage all officers to be vigilant, professional and courteous at all times. Our actions set the tone for the community, and we must lead by example. Treat every citizen with respect and empathy, and remember that we are here to serve and protect.”