Crime rate up by 7 percent

… Police warn the public to take caution

• By Uaueza Kanguatjivi

A total of 98 640 criminal cases were reported countrywide during the 2021/2022 financial year, representing a crime rate increase of 7 percent from the previous financial year.

This was revealed by the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, during the commemoration of the 32nd Anniversary of Police Day.

“I must emphasise that out of the 98,640 cases reported in 2021/22 financial year, Khomas, Oshana and Otjozondjupa regions have the highest crime rates, representing 32.8 percent, 10.7 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, whereas, Kavango West, Kunene and Omaheke regions recorded the least cases representing 1.

3 percent, 1.5 percent and 2.9 percent, of the total reported cases respectively,” Shikongo said.

The reported cases, Shikongo said, include 10 631 housebreaking and theft cases, 4 783 gender-based violence (GBV) cases and 3 278 stock theft cases. These represent the majority of the serious crimes reported.

Shikongo also disclosed that 2 743 robberies with aggravating circumstances cases, 2 171 drug trafficking cases, 1 288 rape cases, 506 attempted murder cases, 389 vehicle theft cases, 324 murder cases and 249 cases of pointing a firearm, were also reported during 2021/2022 year.

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