Rundu: Over 3,000 criminal cases have been recorded in the Kavango East Region from January 2024 to July 2025, highlighting a significant challenge for local law enforcement. The statistics, disclosed by Inspector General Joseph Shikongo of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol), were shared during a public engagement held in Rundu.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Inspector General revealed that the region experienced 719 cases of housebreaking, 1,367 incidents of theft, and 282 reports of domestic violence during this period. He also noted 378 cases of fraud, 276 robberies, and two instances of human trafficking, culminating in a total of 3,024 reported cases.

Inspector General Shikongo emphasized that this number could be reduced if the public refrained from purchasing stolen goods and sheltering criminals. He expressed concern that some community members are complicit in criminal activities by offering protection to offenders.

Addressing public complaints about police inaction and the lack of available police vehicles, Shikongo described such excuses as unacceptable. He mentioned having addressed the issue with officers, urging them to conduct foot patrols if transportation is unavailable and to ensure crime reports are collected from the community.

Shikongo called for community involvement in crime prevention, encouraging the formation of neighborhood watch groups to deter criminal activities and discourage the protection of offenders. 'There are areas where we as law enforcement need to improve,' he stated.

In a separate announcement, Shikongo disclosed the promotion of 30 officers of various ranks, emphasizing that promotions within the Namibian Police Force are based on merit and competence rather than ethnicity or race. He concluded by advocating for unity and respect for Namibia's sovereignty.