Stop filming crash scenes, report bad drivers – Iipumbu

Safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu has urged the public to stop sharing insensitive footage of crash victims on social media and instead assist law enforcement by capturing and forwarding videos of dangerous drivers to the traffic law enforcement.

She made the remarks on Wednesday during the National Prayer Day Against Road Crashes and Advocacy for Road Safety, held at the B1 City Bridge in Windhoek.

The event was organised by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund in collaboration with the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), the Namibian Police Force, and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC).

Iipumbu said the initiative was aimed at encouraging behavioural change and reaffirming the importance of responsible road use.

“Road safety begins with personal choices. You have a choice not to drink and drive, you have a choice to obey speed limits, and you have a choice to rest when tired", she said.

Her remarks come in the wake of a deadly long weekend that saw at least 23 people lose their lives in crashes across the country, one of the most severe recent spikes in road fatalities.

At the time, authorities said reckless driving, speeding and alcohol consumption remain key contributing factors.

The fatalities were recorded in multiple incidents across the country. These included a crash near Arandis that claimed eight lives, followed by another near Otjiwarongo in which 11 people died.

Additional fatal crashes were reported between Usakos and Karibib, as well as another incident over the weekend.

Never-ending tragedies

Namibia Bus and Taxi Association secretary general Pendapala Nakathingo said many road deaths are caused by a lack of knowledge and discipline among motorists.

“We are losing valuable lives at the hands of reckless drivers," he said.

MVA Fund chief of corporate affairs John Haufiku also expressed concern over the recurring crashes, saying road safety awareness efforts had not translated into behavioural change. “Highlights are there, the news happens, we sigh, and life goes on," he said.

But, he added, ultimately, "there is no behavioural change."

Haufiku noted that the impact of crashes extends beyond fatalities, leaving survivors with life-altering injuries and families burdened with long-term care responsibilities.

He added that despite continuous awareness campaigns and training programmes, road deaths remain alarmingly high. “For the past seven days alone, seven people died. People think it only happens over long weekends, but people are dying every single day," he said.

He further urged motorists to take personal responsibility, adding that spiritual and moral reflection may also play a role in addressing reckless behaviour. “If we call ourselves Christians, then we must reflect on how we behave on the road," he said.