38,000 suspects arrested in 2021 (Namibia)

Author(s)

Ellanie Smit, The Namibian Sun

Date Published

WINDHOEK: A total of 89,530 criminal cases was reported during the 2021/2022 financial year, of which 

38,167 suspects were arrested. This is according to safety and security minister Dr Albert Kawana when he tabled the ministry’s annual budget for the 2022/2023 financial year in Parliament.

He said inclusive of cases carried forward from the previous year, a total of 112,434 cases was cleared, representing a 44% clearance rate. “This is short of the 50% targeted clearance rate.”

According to Kawana, various intelligence-led operations resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs such as cocaine, mandrax and cannabis, with a combined value of N$41 million.

Additionally, 770 suspects were arrested for wildlife crimes. Wildlife products confiscated included 108 elephant tusks, 117 pangolins and 59 rhino horns, while 42 unlicensed firearms used in the commission of wildlife crimes were seized.

The police also recovered assets worth N$35.8 million through its investigative efforts, in line with the provisions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

These assets were forfeited to the State for being proceeds or instrumentalities of crime.

Working Together

“During the current financial year, the police plan to conduct joint cross-border operations with neighbouring countries such as Angola, South Africa and Zambia. This will include national crime prevention operations and anti-poaching operations.”

Kawana pointed out that anti-poaching operations are extremely costly.

“It is against this background that the environment and tourism ministry should assist in taking charge of all costs relating to daily subsistence and travel allowance and feeding of members deployed at anti-poaching operations.” 

https://www.namibiansun.com/local-news/38-000-suspects-arrested-in-20212022-04-21