Oshana region recorded a 13% reduction in overall reported crime during the past year. This was one of the notable achievements stated by Governor Hofni Iipinge during his State of the Region Address (SORA) delivered today in Oshakati.
“During the period under review, Oshana Region recorded notable achievements in governance, infrastructure development, economic growth, social welfare, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development,” Mr Iipinge stated.
“We witnessed continued investments in roads, water infrastructure, electricity expansion, education facilities, healthcare infrastructure and sports development.
“We strengthened social protection programmes for vulnerable households. We expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“We continued investing in youth development and skills training. We accelerated land delivery and housing initiatives. And we intensified efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive and prosperous Region.”
The Givernor said that these achievements did not occur by chance.
“They are the result of the collective efforts of Government Ministries, Agencies and Offices, Regional and Local Authorities, Traditional Authorities, development partners, private sector stakeholders and ordinary citizens who continue to play their part in building a better Oshana.”
Iipinge pointed out that during the period under review, the Region recorded a 13 percent reduction in overall reported crime, with reported cases decreasing from 11,804 in 2024/25 to 10,267 in 2025/26.
“This achievement reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies, community members and various stakeholders in promoting safety and security.
“While progress has been recorded, offences such as housebreaking at residential and business premises, assault with grievous bodily harm, robbery, theft and domestic violence continue to pose challenges to community safety and require sustained interventions.”
He further stated that the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and domestic violence remained a key priority during the reporting period.
“The Namibia Police Force, in collaboration with communities and stakeholders, continued to implement awareness campaigns and preventative interventions aimed at reducing violence against women, children and other vulnerable groups.
“To this end, encouraging progress was recorded as rape, domestic violence and sexual violence cases declined by 12 percent during the reporting period. The number of reported cases decreased from 759 cases in 2024/25 to 670 cases in 2025/26.
“These figures reflect the impact of sustained awareness campaigns, community engagement initiatives and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders working to address GBV and promote safer communities.”
However the Governor said that despite this progress, late reporting of cases remains a challenge, often delaying access to justice and support services for victims.
“To further strengthen crime prevention efforts, NAMPOL continued to implement community policing initiatives, public education campaigns and regular patrols in identified crime-prone areas.
“The Force also intensified collaboration with local authorities, traditional leaders, community structures and other stakeholders through joint operations and public awareness programmes aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public confidence in law enforcement institutions.”
The SORA was attended by regional councillors, town councillors, heads of institutions in the region, and young people.
In the photo: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge delivering his 2026 SORA.
