Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has raised concern over the increase in criminal activities in the region, revealing that more than 6,400 criminal cases were reported in 2025.

Presenting her State of the Region Address, Hamutumwa said a total of 6,414 criminal cases were recorded during the year under review.

She said the most common offences include assault, gender-based violence, housebreaking, rape and stock theft.

The governor revealed that 340 domestic violence cases and 220 rape cases were reported, placing significant pressure on the region’s security cluster.

She added that the growing number of offenders has also resulted in severe overcrowding at police holding facilities.

The Oshikango holding cells, which were designed to accommodate 70 inmates, are currently housing more than 180 detainees.

Despite these challenges, Hamutumwa said the region has made significant progress in strengthening security, particularly in combating cross-border crime by fencing off police posts at Omboloka, Epinga, Omalapapa and Olupale in the Omundaungilo and Okongo constituencies, respectively.