Erongo holidaymakers and residents commended for good conduct

The Erongo police have commended the public for their general good conduct during the Easter holidays.

Erongo police spokesperson chief inspector Ileni Shapumba says although some cases were registered throughout the weekend, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

He says Easter weekend also coincided with the end of the month, when the police are usually faced with more cases than during the rest of the month.

A total of 17 drunken and driving cases were reported between Thursday and Sunday night throughout the region.

Those who were arrested ranged between the ages of 28 and 50.

Other cases include housebreaking, stock theft, arrest for drugs, gender-based violence, attempted murder, theft, robbery, common assault, malicious damage to property, fraud and theft under false pretenses.

Shapumba also commended alcohol-selling outlets for adhering to the request of not selling alcohol on Good Friday, adding that only a few tried to break the rules.

No arrests were, however, made in connection with the selling of alcohol, he says.

“I want to commend the public for general good conduct throughout Easter. They were policing their own conduct. We encourage them to continue. We received many visitors while others were travelling out,” he says.

Shapumba says at least 300 outbound vehicles were recorded on Sunday per hour, adding this means visitors planned their holidays well and did not want to rush out at the last minute.

He was also happy that no motor vehicle accidents were recorded between Friday and Sunday.

West Coast Safety Initiative coordinator Aubrey Oosthuizen says although the Erongo region’s roads carried a large volume of traffic, it has been a quiet Easter compared to previous years.

“The vehicles came in intervals of different days, making it easier. Visitors spaced themselves, and travelled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Most people already left and arrived on Sunday, probably because they are not in the mood to rush or experience trucks. There were quite a number of trucks on the road. There was definitely better planning,” he says.