Stefanus Nashama
The Oshikoto regional governor, Penda Ya Ndakolo, has stated that while combating crime remains a top priority in the region, the high incidence of road accidents is also a significant concern.
Ya Ndakolo shared this during his State of the Region address last week.
“Our police and other key stakeholders are working tirelessly for our safety and to prevent crime. However, the high rate of road accidents continues to be a cause for concern in our region,” he said.
Ya Ndakolo said that, during the reviewed period, there were 207 crashes, 452 injuries, and 49 deaths.
He said reckless and negligent driving was the primary cause of these accidents.
“I, therefore, implore our drivers to adhere to the rules and regulations of the road,” he urged.
Ya Ndakolo added that the region has progressed in reducing severe crimes and speeding up investigations due to intensified crime prevention strategies.
Despite this, the governor expressed disheartenment to note that crimes such as rape, assault, housebreaking, theft, negligent driving, and culpable homicide are among the top ten crimes in the region.
“The region remains committed to fighting crimes against women and children. However, it is regrettable to note that gender-based violence increased from 12 percent the previous year to 20 percent. It is noted that the greatest cause of gender-based violence is alcohol abuse,” he stressed.
Ya Ndakolo understands that crimes are a societal problem that requires a society-wide response.
He has since urged the public to work with the police to ensure safer communities.
In a similar report, the Oshana police only recorded four vehicle accidents, one fatality, and six cases of drinking and driving during the past long weekend.
Two weeks ago, the state sentenced Jandre Dippenaar to 15 years in prison for a murder case involving a culpable homicide that resulted in the deaths of six people in 2014.
Dippennar became the first person in Namibia’s legal history to receive a murder conviction following a fatal motor vehicle collision.
According to road safety activist Felix Tjozongoro, the judicial system has shown increasing seriousness in addressing road accidents by holding individuals accountable in ways that reflect the gravity of the consequences.
“The severity of the sentence sends a clear message that reckless behaviour on the road will not be tolerated, particularly when it leads to the loss of life. This case is particularly notable because the crime was classified as murder rather than a lesser charge, marking a significant moment in the country’s legal approach to road safety,” he said.
He also commended the courts for demonstrating their commitment to road safety by holding cattle owners accountable for accidents caused by livestock roaming freely on the roads.
Tjozongoro said the court’s decision to fine communal farmers for damages caused by their livestock is a powerful reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility.
“Together, these cases illustrate a broader trend in Namibia’s judicial system towards stricter enforcement of laws related to road safety. Whether it involves imposing heavy fines on cattle owners or long prison sentences for reckless drivers, the courts are increasingly focused on ensuring that those responsible for road accidents are held accountable,” he said.
