Walvis rallies to combat GBV, drug abuse, crime
The Walvis Bay community, alongside police officials and church leaders, hosted a prayer session and meeting last week, aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV), drug abuse and crime in the town.
Erongo governor Neville Andre Itope expressed deep concern over the rising crime rate in the town, describing the situation as alarming. He highlighted a disturbing trend of young people disappearing, the abuse of women at the hands of their partners and the rampant abuse of alcohol and drugs as particularly problematic. "Walvis Bay used to be safe, but now the women and girls in this town are no longer safe. Nobody is safe.”
Itope pointed to unemployment as a potential cause for the high crime rate in the region, particularly in Walvis Bay. "I understand that many people move to the Erongo Region in search of better opportunities, but when situations become difficult, they may turn to crime.”
Parental involvement
Erongo police commander Nikolaus Kapembona stressed the importance of a police presence at the event, adding that the force hopes to foster partnerships with the community and church leaders.
He also shared crime statistics. “During 2023, by the end of July, approximately 8 830 cases were reported. By the end of July this year, roughly 5 332 cases were reported. Even though there might be a decrease, we need to stop crimes from happening," he urged.
At the same event, Lusia Shipena, a registered nurse and educator, spoke on behalf of the youth, raising concerns about parental involvement in children's lives. "My question is, have we assessed the capability of parents to mentor their children with the right morals?" she wanted to know.
She expressed concern that many parents spend their time at betting shops and shebeens or attending church, leaving their children at home without proper guidance.
Shipena suggested that a committee be established to promote parental involvement and offer advice and support.
She also addressed the issue of teenage pregnancy, noting that parents often protect those who impregnate their daughters under the guise of providing support, adding that families are sometimes silenced with money. "Resolving this issue requires a mutual agreement between parents and the ministries of safety and security, gender, health, and education," she said.
Erongo governor Neville Andre Itope expressed deep concern over the rising crime rate in the town, describing the situation as alarming. He highlighted a disturbing trend of young people disappearing, the abuse of women at the hands of their partners and the rampant abuse of alcohol and drugs as particularly problematic. "Walvis Bay used to be safe, but now the women and girls in this town are no longer safe. Nobody is safe.”
Itope pointed to unemployment as a potential cause for the high crime rate in the region, particularly in Walvis Bay. "I understand that many people move to the Erongo Region in search of better opportunities, but when situations become difficult, they may turn to crime.”
Parental involvement
Erongo police commander Nikolaus Kapembona stressed the importance of a police presence at the event, adding that the force hopes to foster partnerships with the community and church leaders.
He also shared crime statistics. “During 2023, by the end of July, approximately 8 830 cases were reported. By the end of July this year, roughly 5 332 cases were reported. Even though there might be a decrease, we need to stop crimes from happening," he urged.
At the same event, Lusia Shipena, a registered nurse and educator, spoke on behalf of the youth, raising concerns about parental involvement in children's lives. "My question is, have we assessed the capability of parents to mentor their children with the right morals?" she wanted to know.
She expressed concern that many parents spend their time at betting shops and shebeens or attending church, leaving their children at home without proper guidance.
Shipena suggested that a committee be established to promote parental involvement and offer advice and support.
She also addressed the issue of teenage pregnancy, noting that parents often protect those who impregnate their daughters under the guise of providing support, adding that families are sometimes silenced with money. "Resolving this issue requires a mutual agreement between parents and the ministries of safety and security, gender, health, and education," she said.
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