The governor of the Otjozondjupa region, James Uerikua, has expressed concern over the high number of traffic offences in the region, which is mainly caused by speeding, drunken and driving and disrespecting the rules of the road.
Uerikua says the region has seen a reduction in road accidents, with 14 fatalities recorded during the 2022/23 financial year.
He says traffic offences are still rampant as 1 420 people were arrested for drunken driving during the same period.
“Traffic law enforcement issued 5 811 summonses to the value of N$6 257 550.
“The total number of people arrested on drunken and driving charges was 1 420, while the number of people arrested on warrants of arrest was 139 from June 2022 to July 2023,” the governor said during his state of the region address last week.
Uerikua said the Otjozondjupa region is among major contributors to the national gross domestic product, and the enhancement of security and the rule of law is therefore a strategic objective of effective governance.
He said road accidents in the region have been one of the biggest challenges, especially along the B1 road between Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Otavi.
He said the region has established a road safety regional forum aimed at coordinating road safety efforts and programmes within the sector to save lives and coordinate resource usage.
“Today, I am happy to inform you that we have seen a tremendous decrease in road accidents in key hotspots of our region. The last festive season recorded fewer road accidents than usual in our region due to the efforts of the forum,” Uerikua said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has successfully executed 10 joint operations with other key stakeholders in the region during the year and has apprehended suspects in cases ranging from fraud and commercial crimes to poaching.
He said a suspect was arrested at a local financial institution for transferring an amount of N$320 158 from a customer’s account, but the money has been recovered and the suspect apprehended.
Uerikua also referred to a case of robbery and assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm at an Okakarara retailer.
“The suspects, who demanded cash, held the victims hostage with a knife and panga. In the process, an amount of N$188 646,46 was stolen.
“Two suspects were arrested, and an amount of N$48 250 was recovered. Investigations continue. But I promise you there is no place for crime here as we are working towards economic emancipation here and jobs for all,” said Uerikua.
He highlighted challenges faced by law-enforcement agencies, such as housing, and the lack of a police mortuary and vehicles.
“During the period under review, 15 vehicles were decommissioned, with 50% to 60% of the fleet still grounded due to accidents and mechanical problems.
“The Mangetti Dune, Okakarara, Rooidag, Osire, Hochfeld, Kalkfeld, and Kombat police stations and the Otjiwarongo Crime Investigations Unit are without vehicles, and transport at these stations is sourced from nearby stations to assist in cases of emergency,” the governor said.
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