The Namibian Police urged the residents of Groot |Aub to break their silence about the increasing number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases at the settlement.

The |Khomas Regional Police commander, Commissioner Willem Steenkamp, made the call at a community meeting at Groot-Aub.

He encouraged the community to report bars that are failing to comply with the set laws of the liquor act and are not closing on time.

He also warns shebeen owners to stick to their operating times.

Steenkamp says gender-based violence is more than just being assaulted; it is being abused generally.

A community task group will be assisted by the police on a campaign to raise people's awareness about gender-based violence during this festive season.

The campaign will teach young girls to know their rights, how to deal with social issues, and how to create job opportunities.

''It is not only men who abuse women; women also abuse men; the problem is that most men do not talk about it. They do not want to speak about it because they feel that people will make a joke, but for men, women, and children, it is very important to speak up about it. Do not be afraid; there are people in the community; the government is there; we will try our level best to assist you; but let us not keep it silent and suffer the whole time while there is assistance.''

With 22 shebeens in Groot |Aub, parents are urged to make sure that their children are out of shebeen, as well as bar owners to not sell alcohol to underage persons.

He indicates that the police are to do an assessment of how the sheebeen owners are operating and adhering to the law.

The community is urged to refrain from sending underage children to buy them alcoholic drinks at bars.

Another issue that was deliberated on was to restore law and order in the town and to prevent farm owners from employing foreign nationals without documentation.

He says this is to prevent illegal immigrants from Angola, Zimbabwe, and others from being subjected to cheap labour.