Namibia has recorded 2,793 road crashes, which resulted in 431 fatalities and 4,565 injuries from January 2025 until November 10, 2025.
This was revealed by the Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi at the inauguration of the Okapuka checkpoint.
In a speech on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Nekundi said annually, 500 lives are lost on the national roads.
"It is indeed heartbreaking to see so many productive citizens perish on our roads, leaving loved ones with unbearable hurt and sorrow, and often bringing hardship to the welfare of our families. Fellow Namibians, in our road safety strategy, we have set ourselves the target to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by the year Twenty Thirty. As we only have five years to go, I call upon all road players and stakeholders in the road transport sub-sector to do everything in their power to realise this goal."
Nekundi further noted that the festive season is a time of joy and togetherness, yet it's also a period known for road traffic volumes, which regrettably exacerbate road crashes and fatalities.
He called on all Namibians to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of others.
"Let us obey traffic rules and the various speed limits on our national roads, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, rest when tired, ensure driver and vehicle fitness, and be cautious and patient on the road. Our road enforcement and our law enforcement officers will be on high alert throughout the festive season, not to punish but to protect lives and ensure compliance with the law."
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, noted that the Okapuka checkpoint is not merely a point of inspection but a frontline instrument for national security, public safety, and crime prevention.
"Therefore, this upgraded facility will enhance our ability to detect and deter criminal activities; it will also assist us to enforce road traffic laws and to provide a more efficient and secure environment for both officers and motorists."
Iipumbu further highlighted that collaboration between the private sector and government is key in ensuring that law enforcement has the tools it needs to perform effectively.
"This checkpoint serves as a strategic gateway into our capital city, and its optimisation is essential for combating the movement of contraband, stolen vehicles, overloading and unroadworthy vehicles and all other forms of cross-border and domestic crimes."
The road safety campaign will run from 20 November 2025 to 06 January 2026.