Kavango East records 8.4% crime drop

The Kavango East region recorded 172 fewer crime cases during the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year.

Statistics provided by the police show that 1 868 cases were reported between January and May this year, down from 2 040 cases recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The figures represent an overall decrease of 8.4%.

Regional crime investigations coordinator deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu underlined that “crime reduction is a concerted effort” that requires collaboration between the public and the police.

The statistics show that cases increased sharply at the start of the year, with January recording 413 cases compared to 337 during the same month in 2025, representing a 23% increase.

However, the region subsequently experienced four consecutive months of decline.

In February, reported cases fell from 393 to 343, a decrease of 13%. March recorded a similar decline, dropping from 493 to 428 cases.

The most significant improvement was recorded in April, when cases fell from 422 reported in 2025 to 330, a reduction of 92 cases or 21%.

In May, crime continued its downward trajectory, decreasing from 395 cases last year to 354 this year, a 10% reduction.

Kanyetu cautioned against assuming that lower figures automatically mean crime has been reduced.

“There are two issues that must be looked at,” he said, referring to the possibility that improved crime prevention strategies are producing results, while also recognising the need to ensure cases are still being reported by communities.

He nevertheless expressed confidence that cooperation between residents and police is improving and remains critical.

Demographics

He further identified young people as the group most frequently implicated in criminal activities across the region.

“Most of the people now involved in crime are youth,” he said, estimating that offenders are predominantly between the ages of 16 and 40.

Social challenges and substance abuse continue to contribute to youth involvement in crime, although Kanyetu stressed that such circumstances cannot justify criminal behaviour.