Keetmanshoop crime drops during festive season - nbc

Crime in Keetmanshoop decreased during the festive season compared to the same period last year, police say, crediting increased visibility. Acting Police Commander Gertruida !Kharuxas provided statistics from 16 November to 24 December, noting that heightened police presence helped reduce criminal activities. "These statistics only include the most prevalent and serious crimes. Number one is gender-based violence, where we recorded 28 cases in 2024 and 22 in 2025. For drugs, we recorded 22 cases with 22 arrests in 2024 and 10 cases with 9 arrests in 2025—these statistics are only for Keetmanshoop. The value of drugs was N$28,500 in 2024 and N$56,070 in 2025. In violent crimes, we recorded 2 cases in 2024 and 2 in 2025 in the region." Assault remains the top-reported crime this festive season. In 2024, 125 assault cases were reported, with 60 in Keetmanshoop. In 2025, 86 cases were reported, again with Keetmanshoop having the highest number. Robberies totalled 34 cases in 2024 (32 in the region, 29 in Keetmanshoop) and 13 in 2025 (10 in Keetmanshoop). Housebreaking dropped from 38 cases in 2024 (17 in Keetmanshoop) to 6 in 2025 (2 in Keetmanshoop). !Kharuxas attributed the high assault numbers to alcohol and drug abuse, noting housebreaking incidents decreased compared to last year. She also shared motor vehicle accident statistics for December: 41 total accidents in 2024 versus 8 in 2025; 1 fatality in 2024 and 0 in 2025; 2 serious injuries in 2024 versus 1 in 2025; 2 slight injuries in 2024 versus 4 in 2025; 15 other cases in 2024 versus 5 in 2025; and 17 roadworthy violations in 2024 versus 5 in 2025. As the festive season continues, the deputy commissioner says no major crimes have been reported so far and hopes it remains that way.