The Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, has taken a hands-on approach to rising crime concerns by leading a safety patrol in Gobabis.

Accompanied by the police and the Gobabis Municipality officials, the governor toured the town's Central Business District and informal settlements to assess safety conditions.

The patrol focused particularly on street lighting, which has been identified as a major concern, especially in areas where poor visibility may be contributing to criminal activities.

The tour comes in response to an increase in criminal activities in the town. 

During the inspection, officials identified dark spots within the informal settlements, and Nganate emphasised that ensuring proper lighting and safer public spaces remains a priority for the region.

"We have seen main streets without lights, and it gives us more reason to plan properly and the issue of community engagement. It was an eye opener for us who do not travel through those informal settlements at night. I believe the councillors also and myself we have seen, we know where improvements can be made."

Gobabis Mayor, Elwin Gariseb said the local authority acknowledges the challenges facing the town. 

Gariseb emphasised that the municipality is ready to take responsibility and work harder to improve the situation on the ground.

"We need to improve, and from us as the municipality of Gobabis, we just pledge our commitment to restore what we lack as leaders, and where we lack as a municipality, we need to pull up our socks and come to the table. This is business unusual. I am very happy that we are committed and we are here."