Clampdown on crime in Khomas Region

THE Namibian Police, assisted by the Special Reserve Force, have started with their anti-crime campaign in Windhoek.

Their main tools are mobile roadblocks and foot patrols. At the roadblocks drivers are asked to show their licences and each vehicle is searched. The Police are looking for housebreaking implements such as crowbars and bolt cutters, controlled substances such as dagga, stolen goods, unlicensed firearms and wanted persons.The foot patrols are looking for people carrying dangerous weapons and even legally licensed firearms while under the influence of alcohol. This operation will go on until the end of March, after which another crime prevention campaign will start.’We will not stop until the crime rate is reduced by at least 40 per cent in the [Khomas] region,’ said Deputy Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu. During the day Police officers are deployed to the city centre to deter break-ins into vehicles, pickpockets and bag snatchers.A new permanent roadblock has been put up 31 kilometres from Okahandja on the road to Otjiwarongo.’There are many accidents on that stretch of road and with this roadblock we are hoping to prevent them,’ said Nelumbu. So far this holiday season there has been only one fatal accident in the Khomas Region – one person was killed when two buses collided north of Okahandja.Nelumbu added that since a meeting was held between the Police and farmers of the Okahandja and Karibib districts, the Police have been patrolling the area and also used a helicopter to look for cattle rustlers’ hideouts.No one has been arrested so far but there is now constant communication between farmers and the Police.