Maria David
THE Omusati Regional Governor Erginus Endjala reported a slight increase in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as a decrease in rape cases in the region during the past twelve months.
Endjala, who delivered his State of the Region Address at Outapi Wednesday morning, said that a total of 254 GBV cases were reported during the financial year 2021/22 compared to 247 cases the previous year, what translates into a three percent increase.
On the other hand, Endjala reported a decrease in the number of cases of rape, having dropped from 85 cases last year to only 71 this year, what represents a decrease of sixteen percent.
According to Endjala, incidences of assault, fraud and break-in are increasing at an alarming rate in the region.
There was also a steep increase in cases of shoplifting and a “recurrence of stock theft, mostly goats, donkeys and cattle”.
The region reported 39 cases of murder compared to 25 cases the previous year, what represents a 36 percent increase
He also revealed that suicide was over represented in cases of unnatural death. Of the total of 111 unnatural deaths, 70 were by suicide while the remaining 41 were by drowning.
“To address the said anomalies, the Regional Suicide and Gender Based Violence Committee and Omusati Security Contemporary Taskforce were established,” said Endjala.
Further, he indicated that the Region has also recorded a significant increase in inmate population due to a high crime rate.
He noted that the increased number of the trial-awaiting inmates caused overcrowding in the Police’s holding cells. He pointed out that the situation was aggravated by the fact that the Outapi Police Station’s holding cells were declared uninhabitable.
“On the overall, crime rate has slightly decreased during the period under review with 13 percent, as only 4079 crimes were reported as compared to 4686 crimes reported during the previous period.
To date, there are 480 trial-awaiting prisoners in the holding cells in the Region, while the carrying capacity of those cells is 309.
“It is therefore a matter of serious concern that the carrying capacity of holding cells is exceeded by 171 inmates,” he said.
On the issue of cross border crime, Endjala said that additional border posts needs to be created to address illegal border crossing.
He is urging the line ministry to upgrade the Okapalelona Police Border Control Point and make it a fully-fledged border post.
The border policing area of Omusati Region covers approximately 162 km alongside the international borders between Namibia and Angola.
There are three gazetted border entry posts at Ruacana, Omahenene and Wakasamane.
Endjala stated that illegal border crossing continues to negatively affect proper border control and management.
He added that most culprits who cross the borders illegally smuggle illicit goods such as fuel, alcohol, pharmaceutical products and cigarettes.
