Stefanus Nashama
The Oshana police have recorded only four vehicle accidents, one fatality, and six cases of drinking and driving during the past long weekend.
The Oshana regional police commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, shared this information with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday.
“We have recorded a total number of four accidents, one fatality and six cases of drinking and driving in the region during the past long weekend,” he explained.
According to Sakaria, the low-motor vehicle accident cases indicate that motorists are complying with the road rules and police instructions.
“These numbers are low considering the number of people travelling in our region during the long weekend. There was a lot of movement with people travelling to Omuthiya for Heroes Day, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, weddings, and many other events,” he stressed.
According to him, the number of such cases was high during the same period last year.
Sakaria said the police were primarily focused on speeding, drinking, and driving, as well as vehicle documentation and roadworthiness.
“Those are the things we were mostly focussing on during such a time to ensure the safety of our nation,” he said.
He acknowledged the travellers for respecting and following the laws and road instructions.
He further called for a continuous relationship with Neighbourhood Watch and Men and Women Network.”
“The commitment to fight against crime and reduce accidents should not be left to the police alone. We should be working together with the community,” he said.
Sakaria commented on public figures who reported unlawful incidents to the police.
He announced the opening of more police stations in the region to ensure that services are more accessible to the public.
“Tomorrow we are opening a new police station at Onawa in Oshakati because our regional station is not sufficient enough to attend to all reports on time,” stated Sakaria.
He encouraged community members in the area to vigilantly observe and report any illegal activities promptly.
According to the latest Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) fund statistics in the past eight months 1919 vehicle accidents, with 3510 injust and 266 fatalities have been recorded.
Earlier this month the fund’s executive director Rosalia Martins-Hausiku expressed deep concern, urging strict adherence to traffic rules to prevent further tragedies.
