To combat crime and create public awareness in the Kavango East Region, the Police Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, held a community meeting at Rundu.

Since last year to date, more than 700 house break-ins have been recorded, while 1,300 cases are classified as other offences. 

Additionally, 282 cases of gender-based violence have been documented, along with 378 cases of fraud. 

There have also been two cases of human trafficking.

Residents shared their views at the meeting.

Kavango East Region has seven police stations catering to the second largest region in the country and is served by 800 police officers, instead of the required 1,300.

The region is supposed to have 87 police vehicles, but at the moment only 40 are operational.

"My expectations as Inspector General are that, because many times you get complaints from the community, they go to the police station and they are told we don't have a car. I had a meeting with the police officers, and the expectation of the inspector general you can't tell a person that I don't have a car in Rundu. What is preventing police officers from going on to patrol the streets on foot, but as we are going to improve from the law enforcement, you community members also need to improve," said Police Chief Josep Shikongo.

The Inspector General advises the community to collaborate with authorities through the formation of neighbourhood watch groups, refrain from purchasing stolen goods, and report crimes.