CLEMANS MIYANICWEA TOTAL of 599 criminal cases were reported in the Kunene region during the first three months of the year.
The statistics, covering the period between January and May 2019, were released by police deputy commissioner, Rudolf Kanyetu last week.
Opuwo topped the list with 161 cases, while 115 cases were reported at Khorixas during the period under review at the region’s 15 police stations and substations.
Ehomba substation recorded four cases, followed by Omuramba and Etanga stations which registered five and six cases, respectively.
Cases of assault and stock theft dominated the statistics, with 84 cases of assault recorded across the region with 53 cases of stock theft also registered.
Other cases reported include housebreaking (47), possession of or dealing in illicit drugs (28), domestic violence (34) and four rape cases.
One case of murder was recorded during the period under review.
Only Khorixas, Opuwo and Kamanjab police stations have holding cells.
Kanyetu said most assault cases are alcohol-related.
“Most assault cases are coming from those who consume alcohol. Fighting starts after alcohol outlets have closed,” he said.
He pleaded with Kunene residents to drink responsibly to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.
“If you cannot drink responsibly, then stop it so you won’t be part of the problem,” Kanyetu advised.
On stock theft, Kanyetu said there is a large market for stolen livestock in the region, especially cattle.
He advised that livestock owners should visit their farms regularly to take control and monitor their livestock. Kanyetu said the shortage of law enforcement agents in the region has been a challenge in fighting crime.
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