229 die in road crashes since January

The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has called for urgent behavioural change among road users after 229 people died in crashes across Namibia over the last six months.

While the latest figures show a decline compared to the same period in 2025, the fund said the human cost remains unacceptably high and continues to devastate families and communities.

Between 1 January and 21 June, Namibia recorded 1 333 crashes, resulting in 2 273 injuries and 229 fatalities.

Compared to the same period last year, crashes declined by 11% from 1 500, injuries dropped by 9% from 2 486, and fatalities decreased by 6% from 243.

Despite the improvement, MVA chief corporate affairs officer John Haufiku said the figures remain alarming.

“As we reach the halfway mark of the year, the statistics show that progress is possible, but they also remind us that far too many lives are still lost on our roads,” he said.

“Every crash prevented spares a family from tragedy. Every life saved is a victory for Namibia.”

Haufiku said road safety requires shared responsibility, not only enforcement by authorities but also behavioural change among all road users.

Hotspots

The latest weekly report, covering 15 to 21 June, recorded 45 crashes, 84 injuries and eight fatalities. While lower than previous years, the fund said the deaths in a single week highlight ongoing risks on the country’s roads.

Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group. Between January and 21 June, Namibia recorded 489 pedestrian-related crashes, resulting in 203 injuries and 37 deaths.

Young adults are also disproportionately affected. During the reporting week, people aged 25 to 29 recorded the highest number of fatalities and injuries.

Regionally, Khomas remains the country’s crash hotspot with 493 incidents so far this year. Erongo recorded 171 crashes, followed by Otjozondjupa with 130.

Haufiku urged motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to adopt safer behaviour, saying responsible decisions by all road users are essential to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities.