Residents of Swakopmund have expressed deep concern over the recent rise in crime in the coastal town, calling for increased police visibility. They stated that they no longer feel safe.

The elderly say that they cannot attend church services during the weekdays because they fear for their lives.

They say if they are not found with valuable items, they are bitten, slapped, and kicked.

The community members say there is poor police visibility, making them feel unsafe because the police do not patrol the streets regularly, especially at crime hotspots.

The Omaheke Police Regional Commander, Commissioner Andreas Haingura, has called for strong community policing partnerships to help the region succeed in fighting crime.

Speaking at a meeting with station commanders and community policing crime prevention groups, Commissioner Haingura said it is high time that community members help the police combat crime.

He singled out stock theft, poaching, and housebreaking as the most prevalent in the region.

Residents who were recently allocated plots of land at the Brukaros informal settlement in Keetmanshoop are still lacking basic services, despite promises made nearly two years ago.

Bonita Boois applied for a plot of land from the Keetmanshoop Municipality two years ago. She and her family received this plot last year after paying nearly sixteen thousand dollars. However, Boois says that despite being a happy homeowner, basic services such as water and electricity are still unavailable.

MTC will provide about 200 CCTV cameras to the City Police under a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Windhoek.

The cameras are aimed at curbing crime and helping recover items throughout the city. 

Through the signed agreement, the two parties will deploy digital technologies to assist in combating crime within the city. 

The cameras will be deployed at various identified crime hotspots and MTC towers where they have experienced theft.

MTC pledged to support the city's safety concept through the procurement of CCTV equipment and installation. 

Police in the Oshana Region have kicked off with a promotion operation conducted by officers who were recently promoted and aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety.

The operation is carried out by around 500 officers.

Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria says Oshana recorded a high number of rape incidents, and the majority of suspects are people close to the victims. Hence the need for the police to be more visible in the community.

The Police Chief Lieutenant General Josef Shikongo says serious crimes during the festive season are so far relatively low.

Lieutenant General Shikongo also noted that very few road accidents and fatalities have been recorded during the peak of the festive season.

The Windhoek City Police is stationed at the Okapuka roadblock for the festive season, ensuring compliance with road traffic rules. They'll be screening for warrants, vehicle roadworthiness, and fitness.

During this busy period at the Okapuka roadblock, the City Police's Superintendent, Katrina Nomboga, emphasises the team's focus on various road safety aspects.

She stressed that her team aims to convey a clear message on road safety, intending to prevent accidents and fatalities. 

A recent surge in break-ins at legal institutions has prompted heightened concerns over the security of sensitive legal data.

Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi addressed the alarming trend during a conversation with this reporter, shedding light on the gravity of the situation.

Shikwambi expressed deep concern over the targeted nature of these incidents, stating, "The deliberate targeting of court facilities is a serious threat to the integrity of the legal system."

Break-ins top the list of the weekend's crime report, including at the Windhoek High Court and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.

On Friday, suspects gained entry to the Windhoek High Court at an unknown time with the intention of stealing.

It is alleged that the suspects gained entrance through the back window and entered the Archives office, where the court records are kept.

The suspect took a computer box that contains records. 

No recovery or arrest was made.

Amid the festivities, the public is warned not to relax their guard but to be on the lookout for criminals or scammers who up their game during this time of the year.

Safety and security are the number-one priorities of the Erongo Police at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre joined the police and the neighbourhoodwatch during the ongoing "Festive Season Operation" at the two coastal towns.