GBV, rape cases down in Khomas region

Police statistics have indicated a reduction in gender-based violence (GBV) and rape cases in the Khomas region since April.

This is according to Khomas regional police crime investigation coordinator Chrispin Mubebo, who was speaking at a media engagement and display of confiscated items at the Otjomuise police station on Wednesday.

“GBV cases have reduced, including rape and murder, which are a crimes of concern in the Khomas region,” he said.

According to police statistics, in April this year the police reported 12 cases of rape, while two rapes were reported in May.

Mubebo emphasised that although the murder cases reduced from 10 cases in April to four cases in May, “one life lost is one too many”.

Cases of robbery, however, are at their highest, with 80% of robbery cases being grabbed cellphones, he said.

“Housebreaking and stock theft cases have increased in the Khomas region,” he added.

The Namibian Police reported that the total number of crimes in April were 2 678, which reduced to 2 528 in May.

Mubebo said the results are a sign of the police’s hard work stemming from ongoing operations countrywide.

Windhoek City Police deputy chief Eliaser Iyambo said alcohol is the most contributing factor to rape and GBV.

“We really want people, when they are going out, to have fun [but] to do it in a proper and responsible way. It does not mean that when they consume alcohol, they should resort to violence,” Iyambo said.

He further urged members of the public to avoid buying stolen items, especially cellphones.

“People should keep away from buying stolen items because today someone is a victim of crime, tomorrow it’s you, so be responsible,” he said.

Speaking at the media engagement, Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo emphasised that law enforcement will not compromise when dealing with criminals, regardless of public opinion.

Shikongo further urged members of the community who have not heard from their family members or loved ones at Omuthiya to inquire about the identification of the bodies of two men who were recently shot dead by the police in the Etosha National Park.

The suspects were allegedly caught poaching and engaged in a shoot-out with the police.