The end of the year is a special time characterised by family and festive celebrations which are eagerly anticipated by everyone.
During this period, many people travel to far away places to spend their holidays with loved ones.
The festive season is unfortunately also a time when many incidents and accidents occur on Namibian roads as a result of increased traffic accompanying the season.
Public vehicle drivers and other motorists in the northern regions have been urged to drive safely during this festive season to avoid road accidents which have been on the rise recently.
Omusati police regional commander commissioner Ismael Basson says the festive season is fast approaching whereby a large number of people are expected to return to the region to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families.
He says due to this high influx of people, roads are expected to be congested, which can allow road accidents and carnage to occur.
Basson said this during a festive season road safety campaign titled ‘Rain Bowl’ held at Outapi on Monday.
“The festive season safety campaign is aimed at ensuring road safety, maintenance of law and order and prevention of crimes.
All road users are compelled to adhere to the road regulations at all times, not only when they see road traffic officers or traffic checkpoints but as a standard throughout their lifetime,” he said.
Basson said during the festive season road safety campaign for 2023/24, a total of 446 crises, 837 injuries and 59 fatalities were reported.
A total of 344 fatalities were reported for the period of January 2024 until 1 November 2024.
“This is a huge concern, as it is an indication that road users are still not complying with road safety regulations.
People are only acting when they see the police. That is why it is important that we all adhere to the road regulations.
Drivers should avoid distractions such as the use of mobile phones, adhere to road signs and stick to the speed limit,” Basson said.
Oshana police regional commander commissioner Lungameni Sakaria says the police in the region are working tirelessly to curb crime and enhance traffic law enforcement across the region during the festive season.
He said this during a road safety campaign for the Oshana region held at Ongwediva on Monday.
Sakaria said robberies involving firearms decreased slightly from 36 cases in 2022/23 to 34 cases in 2023/24, representing a 1% reduction.
However, murder cases rose significantly, increasing from 11 to 19, reflecting a notable surge.
Motor vehicle fatalities saw a 17% rise, with 17 fatalities recorded in 2022/23 compared to 24 in 2023/24.
In contrast, drug-related offences, including possession of drugs and alcohol, declined from 134 cases to 92, an 18% reduction.
“Overall, total crime incidents increased from 174 276 in 2022/23 to 193 848 in 2023/24, marking a 6% rise,” Sakaria said.
He added that the crime statistics indicate an increase in police-induced or generated crimes, as opposed to crimes reported by the public.
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