Kavango West: Leaders in the Kavango West Region and the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) have called for community collaboration in addressing crime and accelerating development across the region. The leaders made the call while visiting Silikunga village in the Mpungu Constituency of the Kavango West Region as part of a community outreach programme.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Police Commander, Julia Sakuwa-Neo, and Kavango West Governor, Verna Sinimbo, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackle crime and drive regional progress. Sakuwa-Neo encouraged community members to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to tackle crime, highlighting the crucial role parents play in shaping safer communities. "Parents must guide their children on the importance of discipline and obedience - these are values that foster safe communities," she stressed.
Community members in the Mpungu constituency have raised multiple concerns regarding inadequate government services, infrastructure gaps, and safety issues affecting their daily lives. A community member, Joseph Indjamba, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate policing services in the area, citing personal experiences with stock theft incidents where he received insufficient assistance from law enforcement authorities. This has left many residents feeling vulnerable and unprotected against criminal activities.
Meanwhile, parents expressed concerns about their children's safety, particularly regarding the long distances children have to walk to school. 'These extended journeys expose young people to various dangers, including the risk of trafficking, creating anxiety among families about their children's well-being.' The community's concerns highlight the need for improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and enhanced safety measures to address the challenges facing residents in their daily lives.
Sinimbo also appealed to police to launch a region-wide crackdown on drug-related activities, citing growing concerns that drug abuse is contributing to the increase in the crime rate in the region. The Kavango West Regional Council, through its community outreach programme, intends to visit all eight constituencies before 19 June.