Windhoek: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango West Region has reported 168 road crashes between April and August 2026, while gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant concern for communities in the region. Speaking during Namibia's National Prayer Day in Nkurenkuru on Saturday, NamPol's Deputy Commissioner for the region, Abner Agas, highlighted the severity of the situation.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the 168 road crashes in the region involved various factors, including vehicles, livestock, pedestrians, and roadside obstacles. The crashes resulted in eight fatalities, 18 serious injuries, and 30 minor injuries. Deputy Commissioner Agas identified the Rundu-Mururani and Rundu-Nkurenkuru roads as the most affected routes, where collisions frequently occur with pedestrians and livestock or when vehicles veer off the road and strike obstacles like trees.
Agas attributed these crashes to several causes, such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unlicensed driving, driver fatigue, livestock on roads, and pedestrians, including children walking on the roads. Intoxicated pedestrians lying on roads also contributed to the incidents. "The effect of these accidents is that they cause death, injuries, and permanent disabilities, and they damage property," Agas stated.
In terms of GBV, Agas reported 129 cases in 2023, leading to 68 arrests, while 85 cases were registered in 2024, resulting in 51 arrests. In 2025, 86 GBV cases were recorded, with 58 leading to arrests. The cases mainly involved domestic disputes, child abuse, and sexual offences. Agas further revealed that between 2023 and 2026, 17 murder cases linked to domestic relationships were recorded, with victims including husbands, wives, grandchildren, and other close relatives.
Between April and June 2026, the police documented 15 GBV cases, with 12 resulting in arrests and one case being withdrawn. Agas noted that cases involving minors often occur when children are left unattended at home, sent to charge mobile phones, run errands, or approached by relatives, including cousins, uncles, and grandfathers. "Among adults, GBV often occurs when partners are intoxicated at home or at drinking places," Agas added.