Concerned about increasing crime rates driven by gang activities, residents of Keetmanshoop are suggesting a curfew to curb what they describe as a worsening crime situation in the town. 

They made the call during a police community engagement meeting on Thursday.

Residents say they feel unsafe as incidents of gang members attacking and robbing people on the streets have become common in the town. 

Responding to the concerns raised,||Kharas Police Commander, Commissioner Marius Katamila, said, "This is a decision that requires discussion in parliament and must be published in a government gazette. It's not simply a matter of drafting a request for a curfew to be implemented." 

Commissioner Katamila added that the request for the deployment of NDF members to assist with policing and street patrols cannot be fulfilled as the mandates of the NDF and police differ. 

Residents also expressed concern over the mushrooming of shebeens in the residential areas. 

They voiced concerns about issuing liquor licenses to tuck shops and shebeens without first rezoning residential plots from where they operate to business plots. 

They also called for the regulation of the sale of intoxicating home-brew ginger beer.

Commissioner Katamila reminded residents they have the right to petition for the closure of shebeens if they are dissatisfied with their operations.

He added police can only ensure shebeens comply with the relevant laws. 

Katamila made a clarion call to the residents, especially those in Tseiblaagte, to establish a neighbourhood watch to help combat crime.