Hardap crime increases by 5%
Crime in the Hardap Region increased by five percent during the reporting period, despite a significant decline in drug-related offences, Hardap Regional Governor Riaan Charles McNab revealed during the State of the Region Address (SORA) 2026 delivered in Mariental today(8June). Reporting on the regional security and rule of law sector, McNab said the Namibian Police Force recorded a total of 4,374 criminal cases across the region, representing a 5.09% increase compared to the previous reporting period.
According to the governor, Rehoboth and Mariental recorded the highest number of reported cases, while Derm and Sesriem registered the lowest crime figures. McNab explained that the increase in recorded crime was partly attributed to intensified policing operations, including clean-up campaigns, roadblocks and weekend enforcement activities that led to more offences being detected and reported. "The key contributing factors to crime include alcohol and drug abuse, as well as unemployment-related poverty," he said.
The governor noted that serious crimes remained a concern, with 26 murder cases recorded during the period under review.
Road safety also continued to pose a challenge, with 34 major motor vehicle accidents claiming 28 lives. Among the fatalities was the tragic road crash on 30 August 2025 that resulted in the deaths of 16 members of the security services and two civilians, one of the worst accidents recorded in the region. Despite the overall rise in crime, the region recorded encouraging progress in the fight against drugs. Drug-related offences declined by 24.4%, with police registering 205 cases and making 263 arrests. Law enforcement authorities also confiscated drugs valued at more than N$1.8 million.
However, McNab expressed concern over the increasing involvement of women in drug-related activities, noting that female participation in such offences rose by 77% during the reporting period. Stock theft continues to affect the largely livestock-dependent region, although reported cases decreased by 21.4%.
A total of 134 large stock animals and 907 small stock animals were reported stolen, with losses estimated at more than N$3.5 million. While some animals were recovered, the crime remains a major concern for farmers and rural communities.
Copper cable theft has also emerged as a growing challenge in the region. Police recorded 20 cases, with damages exceeding N$2.4 million. The thefts have disrupted communication networks and affected the delivery of essential services in several areas. To combat crime and strengthen public safety, the Namibian Police Force conducted 56 gender-based violence awareness campaigns across the region and continued joint border fence patrols with various stakeholders, including the Immigration Department, the Namibia Central Intelligence Service and environmental authorities.
McNab emphasised that community involvement remains critical in addressing crime and maintaining public safety. "Community participation in the fight against crime can not be overemphasised," he said.
The governor also announced that residents of Aranos will soon benefit from improved police services with the official launch of a Police Conduct Certificate and Motor Vehicle Clearance Office at the Aranos Police Station on 10 June 2026. While the decline in drug-related offences offers a positive sign, the overall increase in crime highlights the ongoing social and economic challenges facing the region, particularly unemployment, poverty and substance abuse.
