The police in Kunene Region recorded a positive downward trend in reported crime during the period under review.

During his State of the Region Address (SORA), Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says a total of reported crimes decreased from 2,683 cases in 2024 to 2,282 cases in 2025, representing a reduction of 401 cases.

For the period January to March, reported crimes decreased from 549 cases in 2025 to 525 cases in 2026, representing a reduction of 24 cases, or approximately 4.4%.

Major crimes of concern in the region also declined between 2025 and 2026.

"However, assault and housebreaking remain the dominant crime concerns in the region despite their reduction. The reduction in crime is attributed to improved policing methods, early interception of offenders, strengthened public visibility, targeted police operations, and enhanced cooperation with communities through neighbourhood watch programmes and farmers' anti-crime structures," stated Muharukua.

Assault cases decreased from 487 to 417, a reduction of 70 cases. Housebreaking decreased from 280 to 268, a reduction of 12 cases, or 4.3%.

General stock theft decreased from 267 to 230, a reduction of 37 cases, or 13.9%. Robbery has decreased from 39 cases to 30, a reduction of 9 cases, while murder decreased from 10 to 5 cases, a reduction of 50.0%. Rape decreased from 56 to 44, a reduction of 21.4%.

"However, the region continues to face operational policing challenges. The major constraints include poor network coverage in many areas, weak communication systems, and poor road infrastructure, which makes it difficult for police officers to quickly reach certain areas of jurisdiction," he added.

Muharukua commended NamPol for being the major driver of employment in the region with a staff complement of 929 members and 131 new graduates from the last intake.