GBV cases surge in Kavango West

The Kavango West region has recorded a deeply worrying surge in gender-based violence (GBV), with 60 cases reported between January and June this year – already surpassing the 55 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.The figures were revealed this week by Kavango West police regional commander, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, during the official launch of the #EndGBVNamibia campaign in the region.Breaking down the figures for 2025 so far, the region has recorded 20 rape cases, resulting in 18 arrests, and two attempted rape cases, with one arrest. Two cases of unlawful sexual acts with minors were also reported, with arrests made in both.In addition, police investigated five domestic violence-related murder cases, with suspects arrested in all cases. There were six attempted murder cases, leading to three arrests.The region also recorded 14 cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), with 11 arrests, and seven cases of assault by threat, resulting in five arrests. One case of common assault and two general assault cases were reported, with arrests made in the latter. One case of malicious damage to property was also recorded.Men top offenders A total of 60 GBV cases have been recorded in the region so far this year, resulting in 48 arrests.Only five cases have been finalised, which, according to Sakuwa-Neo, is due to the complex nature of GBV investigations.By comparison, 55 GBV-related cases were reported by June last year, with 41 arrests. The figures reflect a year-on-year increase of 9%.Rape remains the most prevalent form of gender-based violence in the region, with minors most commonly affected, followed closely by elderly victims. Domestic violence, particularly assault by threat among intimate partners, is also prevalent. The police commissioner further noted that all suspects in murder cases reported between 2024 and this year were male, with the majority of victims being women, including an infant.Wake-up callAn analysis pointed to Bunya as the top crime hotspot in the region, followed by Murenguru, Kahenge, Mururani and Ngaute. These areas experienced the highest incidents of GBV, mostly occurring at night. Sakuwa-Neo noted that crimes often happen while children are left unattended at home, with adults out drinking at informal outlets such as cuca shops.From a broader regional perspective, a total of 92 GBV cases were recorded in 2024, with 66 suspects arrested. Twelve suspects remain at large.According to the police, the overall success rate for arrests and case progress stood at 72%.Sakuwa-Neo expressed concern over the rising number of cases and urged the public to view the statistics as a wake-up call.“By the end of the year, we’ll surpass last year’s total cases, which is nothing to be proud of,” she said.Join hands to fight GBV In her keynote address, Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo underscored the importance of community involvement in ending GBV.She highlighted that the #EndGBVNamibia campaign is not merely symbolic but designed to inform, educate and spark honest conversations across homes and communities.“This campaign is about challenging harmful behaviours and beliefs. It aims to change the way we think, speak and act in relation to GBV,” she said.“Ending GBV is not only the government’s responsibility; it is a national and collective duty. Violence should never be accepted or hidden in our homes,” she stressed.

GBV cases surge in Kavango West

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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GBV cases surge in Kavango West

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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