Stop buying stolen goods, Oshana police warns

The Oshana Police on Thursday launched a two-week crime prevention operation code-named 'Operation Ndjadila', aimed primarily at curbing housebreaking and other criminal activities in identified hotspots across the region.Speaking during his New Year address at the regional headquarters parade ground, the Oshana police regional commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, said the operation will begin on Friday, 23 January, and will run for two weeks, with the possibility of extension depending on results.Sakaria said the operation is named in honour of Deputy Commissioner Fredrik Ndjadila, the outgoing head of the criminal investigation division in Oshana, who has been transferred to Khomas region.He said the operation recognises his contribution to solving complex cases and strengthening partnerships with prosecutors and the courts.Sakaria said while housebreaking will be the main focus, the operation will also target drugs, illicit goods and other forms of crime, as police intensify visible patrols and preventive measures.“Stop buying stolen goods. You are creating a market,” he said, adding that it may seem harmless until those buying the items become victims of housebreaking themselves, with their own property ending up on the black market.Data-driven crime fightingThe launch of the operation comes against the backdrop of improved crime statistics recorded during the 2025/2026 festive season, compared to the previous year. A total of 1 291 cases were registered during the 2025/2026 festive season, down from 1 716 cases recorded during the 2024/2025 period – a 24% decrease.During the festive season operation launched on 16 December 2025, police arrested 50 suspects implicated in various crimes, despite an unprecedented influx of people and vehicles into the region.Sakaria further noted that several complex cases were successfully resolved last year, including the attempted murder of a public prosecutor in Ondangwa and a murder case that had the potential to instil fear in the community. In the latter case, the suspect was apprehended within 24 hours.On traffic law enforcement, he said drunk driving cases slightly decreased from 37 in 2024/2025 to 34 in 2025/2026. However, road fatalities increased from two to seven, a development police said remains a concern.Despite the overall reduction in crime, housebreaking cases remain largely unchanged between the two festive seasons.“While this can largely be unattended homes, the buying of stolen goods and insurance fraud, there is a need for a targeted strategy – which Operation Ndjadila seeks to address,” Sakaria said.Modern-day policingHe also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise policing through technology. The recently launched CCTV project continues to assist with crime deterrence and investigations, while plans are underway to introduce drone technology to enhance surveillance and crime prevention, pending sponsorship and support from the business community.Sakaria reaffirmed the police’s commitment to effective policing, building partnerships and organisational excellence, echoing Inspector General Joseph Shikongo’s call for 2026 to be “a year of implementation” with police firmly “boots on the ground”.

Stop buying stolen goods, Oshana police warns

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-26

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Stop buying stolen goods, Oshana police warns

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-26

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