The police in the Hardap region have reported a 9.7% overall decrease in crime between 2023 and 2024, with cases dropping from 4 600 in 2023 to 4 156 last year.
The announcement was made during a media briefing held at Mariental on Wednesday.
Police regional crime investigations division head John Mwatongwe said although this decline is slight, it is a crucial step toward a safer society.
“There are positive signs in the reduction of crime, albeit minimal. But this signifies a start in the right direction of a safer and secure region. We commend the police and the office of the inspector general for the commendable strategies that are beginning to bear fruit. This is only the beginning of a path to a crime-free society,” Mwatongwe said.
According to the report, the region reported 4 156 cases in 20204, of which 914 (22%) were through police crime prevention efforts. These police-generated cases include possession and dealing in drugs, illegal hunting, driving under the influence and other traffic offences.
Gender-based violence cases decreased by 5.9%, robberies by 16.1% and domestic violence crimes by 50.2%. Residential housebreaking cases fell by 22.8% and theft cases decreased by 5.2%.
Mwatongwe said, despite the region being known for high rates of stock theft, such cases decreased by 35.9% – but are still a concern.
In comparison to 2023, murder cases surged by 58.8% with 10 cases reported, while attempted murder case incidents decreased by 62%.
Mwatongwe identified policing efforts such as street patrols and roadblocks as contributing factors to the decline. At Rehoboth, for example, a two-day operation resulted in searches of 200 individuals and the seizure of various weapons and drugs.
He further stated that 520 vehicles were pulled over, 120 vehicles were searched, and 16 individuals were arrested during the two-day operation.
Mwatongwe emphasised that these statistics indicate that crime can be overcome with deliberate and timely interventions.
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