Staff Writer
Ohangwena Region has continued to grapple with rising crime, with police recording 6,414 criminal cases during 2025, according to the latest State of the Region Address (SORA).
Among the most prevalent offences were assault, housebreaking, domestic violence, rape and stock theft, crimes that continue to threaten the safety of communities and place increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies.
Police statistics show that 345 cases of domestic violence and 220 rape cases were reported during the year, highlighting the persistent challenge of gender-based violence in the region.
Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa described the figures as more than just statistics, saying they represent families torn apart, victims left traumatised and communities living in fear.
“These are not just numbers; they represent mothers, daughters, sisters and brothers whose lives have been disrupted. It is a call to action for all of us to stand together against violence in our homes and communities,” Hamutumwa said.
The growing crime rate has also exposed serious capacity constraints within the correctional system.
Police holding cells at several stations, including Eenhana, Okongo, Ohangwena and Oshikango, are operating far beyond their intended capacity.
“At Oshikango Police Station, for example, 187 inmates are being held in facilities designed to accommodate only 70 detainees. The overcrowding has placed enormous pressure on available resources while raising concerns about the welfare of detainees and the working conditions of police officers,” she added.
Security experts warn that overcrowded detention facilities increase operational risks, create health and sanitation challenges and make rehabilitation efforts more difficult.
Despite these challenges, law enforcement agencies have continued investing in security infrastructure.
Hamutumwa further stated that during the reporting period, border posts at Omboloka, Epinga, Omalapapa and Olupale were fenced to strengthen security along the porous Namibia–Angola border and curb cross-border crime.
Police stations at Onaimbungu, Ondobe and Epembe also benefited from infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of septic tanks and improvements to charge offices aimed at enhancing service delivery.
Community leaders say policing alone cannot solve the region’s crime problem.
They argue that stronger community policing, youth employment programmes, improved education and substance abuse prevention initiatives are equally important in tackling the root causes of crime.
With youth unemployment remaining high, experts warn that creating economic opportunities for young people will be critical in reducing criminal activity and promoting social stability.
The report further stresses that combating gender-based violence requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and local communities.
