Staff Reporter
THE Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region, John Julius //Khamuseb, has expressed concern over the critical shortage of functional police vehicles in the region, saying the lack of resources is hampering efforts to combat crime.
He revealed that the region currently has a police fleet of 137 vehicles, of which only 89 are operational. The remaining vehicles are grounded due to mechanical defects.
//Khamuseb made these remarks during the recent State of the Region Address (SORA) for the Otjozondjupa Region, held in Otjiwarongo. The address provided an update on the region’s achievements and challenges.
Despite the shortage of functional police vehicles, //Khamuseb said law enforcement efforts in the region are yielding tangible results. However, he acknowledged that the region continues to experience a range of serious and prevalent crimes.
“The region continues to experience a range of serious and prevalent crimes, including stock theft, murder, rape, drug abuse, culpable homicide, fraud, theft under false pretences, and housebreaking,” //Khamuseb said.
He further revealed that 11,392 traffic fines, amounting to N$11.8 million, were issued during the reporting period.
“252 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 250 persons were arrested for various traffic-related offences. A total of 808 motor vehicle accidents were recorded, resulting in 45 fatalities,” he continued.
With regard to stock theft, //Khamuseb revealed that 228 cases were reported, leading to the arrest of 170 suspects.
“While the region remains stable and law enforcement efforts yield tangible results, significant challenges persist in terms of crime prevalence, resource constraints and infrastructure deficits,” //Khamuseb added.
Photos: Ministry of ICT Otjozondjupa.
