NamPol National Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi has urged motorists to exercise caution and responsible behaviour on the roads as the Easter long weekend gets underway.

Speaking at the Okapuka roadblock between Windhoek and Okahandja this afternoon, DC Shikwambi confirmed the official commencement of the Increased Safety Traffic Awareness campaign, which began with Operation New Era.

Under this operation, regional commanders have been instructed to intensify crime prevention and road safety measures, targeting high-crime zones and accident-prone areas across both rural and urban regions.

Shikwambi said that mobile checkpoints have also been deployed to ensure police visibility and promote compliance.

She said that safety must remain a priority.

Last year during the same period, a total of 37 crashes were reported, eight lives were lost, and 126 people were injured due to road-related accidents.

Shikwambi also issued a reminder to all liquor outlets and distributors to adhere to the operating hours stipulated in their liquor licences.

"During this festivity, you can literally say this is a recess from school and from work; everybody's in a jolly mood, wanting to celebrate and such. So we also then want to use this opportunity to alert both liquor shipping and all liquor outlets that, please, you must abide by your operating hours. It is stipulated in your liquor licence. So there's no restriction, really, but then you need to abide by what is stipulated in your liquor licence."