Nuuyoma condemns Swakop crime

GOVERNOR of the Erongo Region Samuel Nuuyoma yesterday appealed for the assistance of the Swakopmund business community in clamping down on crime at the town.

He urged citizens and visitors alike not to leave valuable items, especially weapons unattended to. The Governor called a meeting with the Swakopmund business community in the wake of the ruthless murder of local resident Alexandra Mooren, at the town on Friday morning.She was shot to death on the beach at close range with a stolen revolver.The accused stole the weapon from a vehicle he broke into on Thursday.”The owner of the weapon indirectly contributed to the death of a person,” said the Governor.”I call on everybody to put their weapons away safely.” Addressing about 30 people from various business sectors at the town, Nuuyoma condemned the barbaric action in the strongest terms.”Our hearts are not 100 per cent at the moment,” he said.Nuuyoma pleaded with people to be vigilant at all times.”If we let things get out of hand, we will all suffer.We need to support the Police and one another.Every individual should be like a Police officer.” In response to the Governor’s statement, Anton von Wietersheim, Chairperson of the Swakopmund branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) commended the swift action of the Police in arresting three suspects, only hours after the killing.He seconded the Governor’s call to be supportive of the Police, saying it was a shame that some people still refused to allow the Police to use their telephones or premises for observation.Margit D’Avignon, Chairperson of the Swakopmund Ratepayers’ Association said more Police were needed to patrol streets.Chief Inspector Bernhard !Uirab said the current force operative at the town would have to double in size to be really effective on the streets.He appealed for assistance from the public which would support Police duties such as providing them with information or allowing an officer to use a telephone in an emergency.Jenny Carvill former Vice-Chairperson of the NCCI, said the increase in crime meant women were afraid to leave their homes, especially at night, or even to go for a walk on the beach.”It is very important to find a way to make Swakopmund feel secure again,” she said.Carvill also called on all residents to report all cases of theft and housebreakings to the Police.”The community is no longer reporting cases,” she said.Further calls were made that people be willing to testify in court otherwise accused persons would not pay for their crimes for lack of evidence.!Uirab said the Police were still trying to get to the bottom of who was buying expensive camera equipment and laptops stolen from residents and visitors.Theo Rohm, Vice-Chairperson of the NCCI suggested that a crime prevention fund be established by businesses.Business people also discussed the possibility of installing closed-circuit television cameras at strategic points within the town.The Governor said this measure had been raised at previous meetings, and should be consideredThe Governor called a meeting with the Swakopmund business community in the wake of the ruthless murder of local resident Alexandra Mooren, at the town on Friday morning.She was shot to death on the beach at close range with a stolen revolver.The accused stole the weapon from a vehicle he broke into on Thursday.”The owner of the weapon indirectly contributed to the death of a person,” said the Governor.”I call on everybody to put their weapons away safely.” Addressing about 30 people from various business sectors at the town, Nuuyoma condemned the barbaric action in the strongest terms.”Our hearts are not 100 per cent at the moment,” he said.Nuuyoma pleaded with people to be vigilant at all times.”If we let things get out of hand, we will all suffer.We need to support the Police and one another.Every individual should be like a Police officer.” In response to the Governor’s statement, Anton von Wietersheim, Chairperson of the Swakopmund branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) commended the swift action of the Police in arresting three suspects, only hours after the killing.He seconded the Governor’s call to be supportive of the Police, saying it was a shame that some people still refused to allow the Police to use their telephones or premises for observation.Margit D’Avignon, Chairperson of the Swakopmund Ratepayers’ Association said more Police were needed to patrol streets.Chief Inspector Bernhard !Uirab said the current force operative at the town would have to double in size to be really effective on the streets.He appealed for assistance from the public which would support Police duties such as providing them with information or allowing an officer to use a telephone in an emergency.Jenny Carvill former Vice-Chairperson of the NCCI, said the increase in crime meant women were afraid to leave their homes, especially at night, or even to go for a walk on the beach.”It is very important to find a way to make Swakopmund feel secure again,” she said.Carvill also called on all residents to report all cases of theft and housebreakings to the Police.”The community is no longer reporting cases,” she said.Further calls were made that people be willing to testify in court otherwise accused persons would not pay for their crimes for lack of evidence.!Uirab said the Police were still trying to get to the bottom of who was buying expensive camera equipment and laptops stolen from residents and visitors.Theo Rohm, Vice-Chairperson of the NCCI suggested that a crime prevention fund be established by businesses.Business people also discussed the possibility of installing closed-circuit television cameras at strategic points within the town.The Governor said this measure had been raised at previous meetings, and should be considered

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