Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP, Mike Venaani, has introduced a motion aimed at urgently addressing the high crime rate in Namibia, emphasising the critical need to reduce crime and ensure the safety of the Namibian people.

Venaani's motion underscores the ongoing prevalence of various types of crimes in the country, particularly violent ones such as robbery, gender-based violence, rape, murder, and assault, as well as economic crimes.

He highlighted that there has been an increase in these crimes compared to the previous year.

"Additionally, between the years 2021 and 2022, a total of 98,640 criminal cases were reported countrywide, showing an increase of 7% compared to the previous year."

Citing statistics from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Venaani noted that a significant portion of Namibian women, approximately 32%, have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner.

This is in the context of ongoing sexual and gender-based violence in Namibia.

The UNFPA also reported nearly 700 rape cases in the country last year, with a disproportionate impact on women and girls.

Venaani called for a reassessment and improvement of strategies within the police force to combat and reduce crime in the country.

"The police force needs to re-align their strategies for combating crime in Namibia. We collectively need to identify some of the root causes of the high crime rate in our country."

He emphasised that the causes of these crimes vary, with factors like unemployment, poverty, and inequality playing significant roles.

"This motion aims to find urgent solutions to prevent crime in Namibia. I am fully aware that fighting crime in Namibia should be a multi-sectoral approach where we need to find solutions for the high crime rate in Namibia. Lastly, I therefore urge the Honourable Members to greatly contribute to this very important motion so that we collectively ensure the safety of our citizens and the protection of our property."