The increasing rate of crime in the Kavango East Region, particularly in Rundu, is concerning.

The police and community members therefore met to discuss how they could tackle this problem.

Governor of Kavango East, Bonifatius Wakudumo, says he is disturbed by the increased levels of crime.

"There is no way development can take place with the current situation happening in Rundu. People are just shot like dogs, and people are threatened by these young boys from the club. You can no longer walk in this area. No, this is not the Namibia we want. This is not the Namibia I and others fought for. We cannot allow this anarchy to go on."

Wakudumo says the fear is evident, especially with the many female vendors selling fresh produce on the streets of Rundu.

"I felt very bad in my heart as the leader of this region. The women were packing their things, and I could hear them talking, so I stood there to listen, and they were saying they would be killed. You could see the fear in the people. Is this the Rundu we want to live in? The Kavango we want to live in"

The police say 13 murder cases were reported in the region last year, and the same number of arrests were made.

Of the 13 murder cases, 12 were reported at the Rundu Police Station.

Between January and September 2023, eight murder cases were reported, with six happening in Rundu.

The latest case happened on September 22nd, when 18-year-old Sipilikita Malaka was shot and killed by an unknown suspect.

Malaka was walking down the street shortly after 20h00.

It's been over a month since the grade 10 learner's death, and the suspect is still at large.

Out of the eight murders, five arrests were made.