Windhoek: Crime in the Hardap Region increased by 5.09 per cent during the 2025/26 financial year, with the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recording a total of 4,374 criminal cases across the region. Hardap Region Governor Riaan McNab revealed the statistics while delivering the State of the Region Address (SORA) in Mariental on Monday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Rehoboth and Mariental recorded the highest number of reported cases, while Derm and Sesriem reported the lowest. McNab attributed the increase in figures partly to intensified law enforcement operations, including roadblocks, clean-up campaigns, and weekend crime prevention activities. 'The increase can partly be attributed to enhanced law enforcement visibility and crime prevention operations conducted across the region,' he said.

The governor highlighted that alcohol and drug abuse, coupled with unemployment-related poverty, remain key drivers of crime in the region. 'Alcohol and drug abuse, as well as poverty linked to unemployment, continue to contribute significantly to criminal activities in our communities,' McNab stated.

During the period under review, Hardap recorded 26 murder cases and 34 major motor vehicle accidents, which claimed 28 lives. Among the fatalities were 16 security officers and two civilians who died in a road accident near Mariental on 30 August 2025.

McNab noted a decline in drug-related offences by 24.4 per cent, with 205 cases registered and 263 suspects arrested. Drugs valued at more than N.dollars 1.8 million were confiscated. 'While the reduction in drug-related offences is encouraging, the increase of 77 per cent in the involvement of women in these crimes is a matter of serious concern and requires targeted interventions,' he said.

Stock theft remains a challenge in the predominantly livestock-farming region, despite a 21.4 per cent decrease in reported cases. A total of 134 large stock and 907 small stock animals were reported stolen, resulting in estimated losses exceeding N.dollars 3.5 million. 'Stock theft continues to pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of our farming communities and requires continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies and farmers,' McNab emphasized.

Copper theft also emerged as a growing concern, with 20 cases reported and damages estimated at more than N.dollars 2.4 million.