Members of the public are discouraged from giving money to children and adults living and working on the street.

The Head of Windhoek City Police, Chief Leevi Ileka, made the call at a media briefing in Windhoek.

Chief Ileka says the Windhoek City Police Service has been experiencing with great concern the increasing number of people living and working on the street.

Ileka adds that they have noted that the majority of street robberies reported, especially in the Central Business District, are committed by people living and working on the street. 

The business community of Swakopmund is unhappy with beggars and homeless people in the town, saying they are harassing tourists and scaring away potential investors.

Residents addressed a safety interaction meeting at Swakopmund.

Also speaking at the occasion was the town's mayor, Dina Namubes, who says she is aware of the various challenges faced by the community and the factors leading to them.