Martin Endjala
Auasblick, the State House’s neighbourhood, has become a hub for crimes such as robbery and hijacking.
Many health enthusiasts use the area for exercise because of the hills and lack of traffic.
The latest crime incident involved Matthias Ngwangwama, the managing director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
On Wednesday night, robbers stole Ngwangwama’s car and cell phone.
Alfred Hengari, the spokesperson of State House, said that there is an investigation into the matter and assured the public that the presidential residence is secured and its safety has not been compromised.
“I can assure you that the precinct of the presidency is secured, and President Mbumba emphasised the need to scale up the fight against crime in his State of the Nation Address,” said Hengari.
Last year, three people were also robbed of their belongings in the same vicinity.
NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala confirmed that Ngwangwama was not harmed and is in a stable condition.
His car was also recovered in Katutura.
The head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed the incident and at the same time cautioned the public to avoid hiking in isolated areas.
“This puts their lives in danger, particularly when confronted by criminals,” she said.
According to Shikwambi, Auasblick has become a crime hotspot, and the public who wants to go hiking should consider their safety at all times.
“Crime is happening everywhere, irrespective of whether it’s in isolated areas or not. Our call has always been and continues to be. Do not go alone when cycling, jogging, or driving in isolated areas. Criminals are everywhere, and they are targeting people, and people must avoid this at all times,” she cautioned.
She described the NWR MD’s situation as unfortunate.
As a matter of safety, she said people should always have a companion when hiking, avoid bushy areas and be in a familiar area.
She also advises that people should not carry valuable belongings and should rather leave them in their cars.
Apart from that, she said people should avoid displaying their belongings for everybody to see, as this attracts criminals to break into cars.
“The public is further cautioned not to jog while it is late but to do it when it is safe, like during daylight, and only jog where there are people and where there are lights,” she said.
She explained that it is winter and it gets very dark, making it more dangerous.
She said the police cannot monitor riverbeds around the clock.
“But regular patrols in these areas and around the capital are conducted. But our message or call to the public is to follow our safety tips at all,” she advised.
