Staff Reporter
A TOTAL of 1 747 road crashes were recorded between 1 January 2026 and 9 August 2026, resulting in 2 996 injuries and 279 fatalities.
This was revealed by the Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, who described the situation as a matter of serious concern.
She made these remarks during the recent launch of NamPol’s Integrated Road Safety Operation for the Second Trimester School Holiday and Heroes’ Day Commemoration. The operation, which officially commenced on 12 August 2026, will run until 10 September 2026. It is being conducted under the theme, “Engage, Educate and Enforce.”
According to Nainda, the operation comes at a time when traffic volumes are expected to increase due to the upcoming school holidays and Heroes’ Day celebrations.
“During the upcoming school holidays and the Heroes’ Day commemoration, a significant increase in traffic volumes is anticipated on national roads across the country, particularly along the B1 and B2 national road corridors. Experience has consistently demonstrated that these periods are associated with an elevated risk of serious road traffic crashes, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The main contributing factors include excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving, unlicensed driving, and the operation of unroadworthy vehicles,” the Inspector General said.
She explained that the operation combines high-visibility policing, public education, stakeholder collaboration and firm law enforcement to promote safer roads, enhance compliance with traffic laws and encourage responsible behaviour among road users throughout the operational period.
“As part of this national initiative, additional Traffic Law Enforcement Officers will be deployed along the strategic B1 and B2 national road corridors to conduct high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, vehicle inspections, checkpoints and targeted enforcement against the major causes of road crashes. Their presence will significantly strengthen police visibility and law enforcement along the busiest national highways,” the Inspector General added.
However, she stressed that road safety is not limited to the B1 and B2 road corridors. She urged road users to obey traffic laws, drive responsibly, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and observe speed limits.
“All 14 Police Regional Commanders have been directed to ensure the simultaneous implementation of this operation within their respective policing areas across the country. Each region will deploy police members to intensify visible policing, traffic law enforcement and road safety interventions throughout the operational period, with one common aim: deterring traffic violations, promoting compliance with road safety regulations and safeguarding the lives of all road users,” Nainda said.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: West Coast Safety Initiative – Namibia
