The Oshana Region has since January this year recorded 260 cases of Gender-Based Violence.

Chief Inspector Kaarina Shiimi says 61 rapes were reported in the region, of which 25 victims are children.

During the same period last year, the region recorded 258 GBV and 41 rape cases of which 20 were children.

"Household cases opened were 217 of which only counseling was given since we have social workers. For this year, from January to May a total number of 260 cases were reported. 61 cases are rape, with 36 involving adults while 25 are children. Household cases opened stood at 199 cases."

Oshana NamPol's Regional Commander, Commissioner Naftal Sackaria says 95 percent of rape perpetrators are known to their victims.

The revelations were made at a community meeting with the police at the Okadoolopa location in Oshana, aimed at strengthening their relations and hearing the public's concerns.

"We will not hear or know of these problems if we are in the offices, we have to come to the community and hear their problem. If we find you operating after 22H00 and you don't have a license we will arrest you and we will confiscate the alcohol and be kept at the police station. Rape has increased, males are raping children and women and smaller children of months and seven or eight years."

Commissioner Sackaria acknowledged that the police are faced with challenges that prevent them from responding timely to the public's calls such as aging vehicles.

Another concern from the community is stock theft. This year alone 89 goats were stolen and the police have appealed to the community to work with them to prevent and fight crime in the region.

He says he will not tolerate the public's behavior of fighting the police whilst carrying out their work.

The commissioner also urged the communities to heed the closing times of bars and that those operating without liquor licenses acquire them.

Those who are found violating the Act will face the law.