Oshana police ready to root out criminals
More boots on the ground during the holidays
Oshana Region police have vowed to target criminal activity in the region this festive season to ensure a safe holiday for everyone.
Oshana regional police commander, commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, has stressed that the police are prepared for the festive season and that safety in the region is a priority.
Sakaria cautioned the public to be vigilant against thieves, as incidents of robbery and housebreaking's are expected to increase.
He said the police have put measures in place to prevent and combat crime, including the recent trend where criminals have targeted businesspeople.
Sakaria said the police have already put some of the ringleaders behind bars since his appointment four months ago. He said the days are numbered for criminals who have been terrorising the region by targeting business people of late.
He was speaking on Friday during the official launch of the police festive season in Oshana Region, which began its operations on 16 November.
Targeting criminals
Sakaria highlighted that during the holiday, Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva become crowded with people returning home from all corners of the country to enjoy Christmas with their families.
"Unfortunately, some of those coming or already here might have other intentions, including committing crimes," he said.
Sakaria told his officers that they should not give the criminals an opportunity, and those who dare violate the law will spend their Christmas in jail.
"It is for these reasons that we have increased the police presence on the ground amid challenges while focusing on building partnerships by improving stakeholder cooperation. This approach appears to be yielding positive results. We have seen a drop in terms of some of the crimes of concern, namely housebreaking on private and business premises, robbery, and theft under the false pretence of fraud. Aside from some of these gains, we can surely do more," he said.
Drop in accidents
Another positive recorded in the region is a decrease in road accidents since the start of the year.
To date, a total of 1 333 road crashes have been reported in the region, compared to 3 594 cases reported last year. Fourteen fatalities were reported this year, compared to 20 in 2021.
Around 692 vehicles were involved in road crashes, while 2 051 vehicles were involved in road accidents last year.
Hard work acknowledged
Sakaria also used the platform to hand over letters of promotion to some officers in the force and encourage others to work hard to follow suit.
"It is a fact that we can never promote all members at the same time, but as long as you remain committed and disciplined it shall be our duty to make sure that you can progress in your policing career," he said.
Sakaria cautioned the public to be vigilant against thieves, as incidents of robbery and housebreaking's are expected to increase.
He said the police have put measures in place to prevent and combat crime, including the recent trend where criminals have targeted businesspeople.
Sakaria said the police have already put some of the ringleaders behind bars since his appointment four months ago. He said the days are numbered for criminals who have been terrorising the region by targeting business people of late.
He was speaking on Friday during the official launch of the police festive season in Oshana Region, which began its operations on 16 November.
Targeting criminals
Sakaria highlighted that during the holiday, Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva become crowded with people returning home from all corners of the country to enjoy Christmas with their families.
"Unfortunately, some of those coming or already here might have other intentions, including committing crimes," he said.
Sakaria told his officers that they should not give the criminals an opportunity, and those who dare violate the law will spend their Christmas in jail.
"It is for these reasons that we have increased the police presence on the ground amid challenges while focusing on building partnerships by improving stakeholder cooperation. This approach appears to be yielding positive results. We have seen a drop in terms of some of the crimes of concern, namely housebreaking on private and business premises, robbery, and theft under the false pretence of fraud. Aside from some of these gains, we can surely do more," he said.
Drop in accidents
Another positive recorded in the region is a decrease in road accidents since the start of the year.
To date, a total of 1 333 road crashes have been reported in the region, compared to 3 594 cases reported last year. Fourteen fatalities were reported this year, compared to 20 in 2021.
Around 692 vehicles were involved in road crashes, while 2 051 vehicles were involved in road accidents last year.
Hard work acknowledged
Sakaria also used the platform to hand over letters of promotion to some officers in the force and encourage others to work hard to follow suit.
"It is a fact that we can never promote all members at the same time, but as long as you remain committed and disciplined it shall be our duty to make sure that you can progress in your policing career," he said.
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