Pedestrian fatalities in Namibia rose to 47 in the first three months of 2026, compared to 41 during the same period last year.
The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund says fatalities rose despite nationwide figures showing pedestrian-related crashes dropped to 265 from 277 between January and March, while injuries fell from 264 to 235.
MVA spokesperson John Haufiku says the Khomas region recorded the highest number of pedestrian crashes in 2026 with 106 cases, down from 115 in 2025.
Khomas recorded 111 injuries and five fatalities in 2026, compared to 112 injuries and seven deaths in 2025.
“These figures indicate a decrease in overall crashes and injuries, but a concerning rise in pedestrian fatalities,” Haufiku says.
The Erongo region recorded an increase in crashes from 26 to 31, while fatalities rose from one to five.
The Kavango East region recorded an increase in fatalities from two to five, alongside a rise in crashes and injuries.
The Zambezi region recorded a decline, with crashes dropping from 16 to seven, injuries from 15 to four, and fatalities from five to three.
“These figures emphasise the urgent need for targeted road safety measures, particularly in high-risk areas and among vulnerable groups,” he said.
Haufiku says men remain the most affected, with 156 injuries and 35 fatalities recorded in 2026, up from 155 injuries and 28 fatalities in 2025.
The fund says it is working to curb pedestrian-related crashes through enhanced awareness campaigns such as workplace road safety programmes.
POLICE INTERVENTION
Omusati regional police commander Ismael Basson says “intoxicated persons crossing the road is rampant.”
He says the police are urging motorists to be cautious and watch out for pedestrians (sober or drunk) on the road.
Basson says he is expecting drivers to be sober at all times, particularly during holidays.
He says most accidents result from pedestrians crossing the road without checking for oncoming vehicles, and drivers not being vigilant enough.
He adds that drunk driving is another contributing factor.
Oshana police regional commander commissioner Naftal Sakaria says the region recorded five accidents involving pedestrians in March, three of whom were schoolchildren.
“If they are not playing next to the road together, they are walking on the road,” he says.
Ondangwa deputy commissioner Frederick Ndjadila says pedestrians are often victims of road traffic accidents across the region, especially over weekends and at month-end.
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says police observations show that more youth are walking alongside national roads, putting themselves at risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents.
“We encourage pedestrians to use crosswalks where available and be visible at night by wearing reflective clothing, especially at rural areas.
Children must be supported or assisted whenever crossing the road and be cautioned to avoid jaywalking,” she says.
‘NOT JUST ALCOHOL’
Seven Seaters Association secretary Benjamin Pablo says blaming alcohol alone is too simplistic.
“Yes, drinking and driving is dangerous and must be condemned, but it is not the only factor,” he says.
Pablo says many drivers operate under pressure, long hours, poor road conditions, and inadequate street lighting, especially at night.
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