Maria David
CRIME in Namibia is on an upward trajectory, and will require serious intervention from both the police and the communities to turnaround.
This is according to Namibia police boss, Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, during the commemoration of the 31st police day, held recently at Katima Mulilo.
Ndeitunga said that they have noticed a rapid increase in several crimes such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), rape, murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
During the period 2020/21, a total of 92 251 criminal cases were reported countrywide, and a total 178 987 cases brought forward from the 2019/20 financial year.
“This brings the total cases at the end of the current financial year to 271 238,” he said.
Of the 271 238 cases, a total of 105 634 were cleared, which represents a 39% clearance rate.
Ndeitunga further explained that out of 92 251 cases reported during the 2020/21 financial year, the Khomas, Oshana and Otjozondjupa regions recorded the highest crime rates, representing 34%, 11% and 8%, respectively.
The Kavango West, Kunene and Omaheke regions recorded the least cases, with a rate of 1%, 2% and 3%, respectively, during the period under review.
Overall, said Ndeitunga, they have recorded 308 cases of murder, 1 205 cases of rape, 418 cases of robbery with a firearm, 4 445 domestic violence cases, 461 attempted murder cases, 256 cases of pointing of firearms, 13 cases of trafficking in persons, 3 160 stock theft cases, 2 115 cases of illicit drugs, 196 cases of arson, 7 487 cases of housebreaking of residential premises and 403 cases of theft of motor vehicle.
Ndeitunga lastly urged all regional commanders to continue analysing crime trend in their jurisdictions so as to assess where resources – particularly human, technical equipment and vehicles – need to be deployed in order to combat crime.
