Crime in Namibia

 

picture source :https://www.namibian.com.na/197657/archive-read/Criminal-activities-drop-in-2019 (The Namibian newspaper, 2020-02-05).

Namibia is ranked one of the countries in Africa with a high crime rate. Although it is also rated well as a peaceful country, over the years, the commission of crime has been increasing especially in cities and urban areas. According to the Namibia Police Force (NAMPOL), there was a reduction in crime from January 2019 to December 2021. This reduction was induced by the lockdown put in place for covid-19 which included a curfew and limited time for the operation of businesses such as shebeen and liquor outlets.

Most of the crimes committed are murder, housebreaking, rape, corruption, abortion or concealment of birth, robbery, gender-based violence, and theft. The most contributing factor to the commission of a crime such as theft, robbery, and housebreaking is poverty. Crimes such as murder, rape, and gender-based violence are triggered by a psychological disorders, anger, and insecurities about crimes of passion where most of the time women are victims.

Some crimes such as murder in our country are caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Many murder cases not related to the crime of passion are taking place at liquor outlets in which people uncontrollably end up killing each other over “petty” things. Read the link https://www.namibian.com.na/111222/read/Man-killed-over-beer (The Namibian newspaper,2022.03.29) you can also read about the murder of a man over” tombo” a traditionally brewed alcohol made out of sorghum. Https://www.namibian.com.na/6215624/archive-read/Man-stabbed-to-death-over-mug-of-tombo (Namibian Newspaper, 2021.11.23).

What can be done?

Firstly, people need to be educated to realize the disadvantages of drinking excessively through campaigns and community engagement with different stakeholders. Secondly, the government should invest more in social health facilities which include correctional services facilities, and employ more social workers because, many people drink and commit crimes because of personal problems, frustration, and depression. And last but not least the justice system of our country (courts) should give stiff punishment to the offenders.