124 land invasions in Khomas

The Khomas Region experienced an overall decrease in crime of 2% in 2017/18 compared to the previous year, with the murder rate declining by 27% and rapes decreasing by 44%.However, land invasions increased by 75%, with 124 cases reported, compared to 71 in 2016/17.Governor Laura McLeod Katjirua said during her State of the Region Address (SORA) last week the region is faced with many challenges, which are hampering proper service delivery in terms of crime prevention, detection and investigation.She said sites have also been identified to set up possible additional satellite police stations in the region, to bring services closer to the community, as well as to enhance proactive police responses to crime. The sites identified are Pioneers Park, Hochland Park, Otjomuise, Goreangab Dam, Havana, Okuryangava, Brakwater, Lafrenz, Kloppersdal and Eros Park.“Crime, especially armed robbery, has reached alarming levels, but members of the police have been equally tasked to apprehend criminals, as well as recover stolen property.”According the governor, the most common challenge is the influx of people coming from rural areas to seek employment, better living conditions and tertiary education. McLeod-Katjirua said this puts a tremendous strain on police manpower, infrastructure and general resources. According to her the police have, however, committed to achieve the clearance rate of 50% of all cases annually, through effective crime investigationsGiving a breakdown of crimes in the region, she said assault/grievous bodily harm decreased by 11% in 2017/18 compared to the previous year, while housebreakings decreased by 19%.Break-ins at businesses increased by 25% and general theft decreased by 9%. Theft out of motor vehicles decreased by 5%, while overall property crime decreased by 10%. General robberies decreased by 2% while armed robberies increased by 17%. Although still a concern, the vehicle accident rate in the Khomas Region decreased by 11%. “With over 90% of the Khomas Region falling within the municipal jurisdiction of City of Windhoek, we are equally concerned about compliance to by-laws as a way of preserving public safety and order.”McLeod-Katjirua said even although noise pollution decreased by 5%, the general noise levels remain alarmingly high.Reported cases of illegal traders have increased by 191% and dog complaints decreased by 78%.McLeod-Katjirua said they will continue with the crime combatting strategy, through conducting regular patrols in identified areas and strengthening relations via community policing.Clean-up operations will also be conducted to address social crimes, such as assaults, gender-based violence, illegal hunting and road traffic violations.“There is a need to establish more neighbourhood watch groups, women and men network groups and to recruit more reservists and informers.”ELLANIE SMIT

124 land invasions in Khomas

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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124 land invasions in Khomas

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-09

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