The governor of Kavango East Region says the region's leadership is determined to fight criminal activities there.

Bonifatius Wakudumo made the commitment during the leadership's meeting with Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo.

About two months ago, residents of Kavango East gathered in numbers to express concerns about the high crime rate in the region. 

Soon thereafter, resolutions were taken, which led to the establishment of a regional crime prevention forum.

The Kavango East Crime Prevention Committee, under the leadership of the governor, held another gathering on Monday.

The aim was to send a clear message to the entire community and leadership of Kavango East that the time to act is now.

"Are we just sitting in our comfort zones and not even knowing what is going on in your constituencies in your town? We cannot go on like this. The same goes for the police. If you are a regional commander, a station commander, or a unit commander, are you just a commander commanding the office or are you a commander commanding the wellbeing of the people?"

Wakudumo says the community has a crucial role to play in combating crime.

The Police Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, stressed that combating crime begins at home.

"You know your child. Your child comes home with a smart phone and a computer, and you are not even asking my daughter or my son, Where did you get this? You are not working. You are just a child who is at school. Where did you get the money? We have not given you money, but now you have a child who is not working. The child is having N$1000 or N$2000, and you are not even asking my daughter or my son, Where did you get the money?

The Inspector General informed the meeting that about 113 vehicles that were purchased will soon be sent to the regions.

He further stated that during the next financial year, the force will have another recruitment drive.

About N$27,000 was donated to the Men and Women Network to help police execute their duties.