Zambezi: Zambezi Governor, Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, emphasized that stock theft remains a significant issue in the region, with 184 cases reported in the 2025/26 financial year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kabula-Simushi, during her State of the Region Address on Monday, highlighted that these thefts involved the loss of 614 cattle, valued at approximately N$3 million.

The governor disclosed that law enforcement and cross-border cooperation led to the recovery of 299 cattle worth over N$1 million. However, 336 cattle, valued at more than N$2 million, have not yet been recovered. She urged the newly appointed police regional commander, Julia Sakuwa-Neo, to collaborate with other security forces to apprehend the culprits, underscoring the importance of security for peace, investment, and development.

Kabula-Simushi pointed out that the Namibian Police Force is dedicated to combating crime, including border protection to ensure societal safety. Despite a population exceeding 142,000, the region is served by only 712 police officers, equating to one officer per 201 residents, compared to the acceptable ratio of one officer per 50 residents.

The governor noted a reduction in crime cases from 4,095 in 2024 to 3,526 in 2025. The crime prevention division conducted 29 operations, resulting in 102 arrests, the apprehension of nine illegal immigrants, and the confiscation of 279 illegal products.

Furthermore, the criminal investigations division recorded 2,955 cases, reflecting a decrease of 1,073 from the 4,028 cases during the same period in 2024/25. Kabula-Simushi expressed concern over the prevalence of crimes such as stock theft, housebreaking and robbery, rape, poaching, and other offenses, which require urgent attention from the security sector.

On a positive note, she announced that the construction of the Greenwell Matongo Police Station is 91% complete, with plans to build additional stations in Bukalo in the Katima Rural Constituency and Chinchimani in the Sibbinda Constituency.