The ||Kharas Region has recorded a 6% increase in crimes committed during the first quarter of 2025/26. 

This was revealed by the acting police regional commander, Deputy Commissioner Gertruda !Kharugab, in an interview with NBC News.

Crime statistics show cases totalling 1,284 were recorded during the period under review, compared to 1,202 recorded in the same period during the 2024/25 financial year. 

"The pressing crimes in the region are mostly property crimes. Crimes such as theft, housebreaking with intent to steal, and theft at both business premises and residential houses and robberies."

Emerging crimes identified include cellphone scams dubbed 'Order with Me" and armed robberies targeting shebeens and service stations.

Deputy Commissioner !Kharugab said increased police visibility seems to have significantly curbed gangsterism in Keetmanshoop, with no gang-related incidents reported since the beginning of the year.

She called for stronger collaboration between police and the public in the fight against crime in the region.

"They are our eyes and our ears. Remember when a case is reported at the police station. When the investigators investigate any crime that is reported. It is always somebody from the community that witnessed that crime."