Benguela: The provincial commander of the national police in Benguela, Commissioner Arist³fanes dos Santos, announced that violent crimes, particularly sexual abuse, will continue to receive an energetic response from the police force. Dos Santos emphasized the need for a swift response and accountability for perpetrators following a review meeting aimed at ensuring safety during the festive season.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Commissioner dos Santos highlighted the challenges in investigating sexual abuse cases, especially those occurring within families. He urged greater collaboration from the public in reporting these crimes, which often remain hidden from authorities. He noted the existence of ‘intramural’ crimes that occur within residences and frequently go unreported.

The commissioner also outlined the ongoing challenges faced by the Benguela police, targeting improvements for 2026 through continuous training in democracy and human rights. This training aims to enhance service delivery to the population. On the issue of road accidents, he stated the police’s commitment to reducing casualties, attributing current issues to speeding, alcohol, fatigue, and poor road conditions.

The provincial commander commended the efforts of defense and security forces, MININT, Police Academy, and INEMA during the 2025/2026 festive season for ensuring citizen safety. Despite a decrease in overall crime numbers during the festive period, 36 crimes were recorded, including robbery, theft, and physical assaults, with 110 individuals arrested.

Police seized 462 items, including ammunition, stolen motorbikes, and cannabis. Road accidents during the period resulted in three deaths and 23 injuries, while the Civil Protection and Fire Service responded to 95 incidents, including a small fire in Bocoio.