The crime rate in the Oshikoto region increased by 35.5% during the 2025/26 financial year, with violent crimes, rape and drug-related offences among those showing significant increases.
According to the Oshikoto Regional Council’s progress report, 1 541 criminal cases were recorded during the period under review, compared to 1 137 cases in the previous financial year – an increase of 404.
National Council member Vilho Nuunyango tabled the report recently, citing assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as the most prevalent offence, rising sharply from 567 cases to 945.
Rape cases increased from 132 to 187, while drug-related offences rose from 87 to 159. Murder cases increased from 13 to 16.
“Many rape victims are minors, raising concerns about child protection and the need for stronger community-based crime prevention measures,” Nuunyango said.
Stock theft, however, declined from 269 to 200 cases, while offences relating to protected resources dropped from 69 to 34.
The crime figures come as the region made progress in access to justice through the operationalisation of the Omuthiya Magistrate’s Court.
Nuunyango said the court is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel to Ondangwa or Tsumeb to access judicial services, lowering costs and improving access to justice.
Beyond security and justice, he said the region reported progress across several sectors.
Four mini desalination plants were completed in the Eengodi constituency, while a borehole was installed at Nandelifa in the Nehale lya Mpingana constituency.
In education, Nuunyango said pupil enrolment increased from 84 052 in 2025 to 87 523 in 2026, while 3 750 farmers benefited from ploughing, ripping and seed subsidy programmes.
The region also completed the Engoyi-Omuntele road, while construction is ongoing on the Omuntele-Onanke road and the Omuthiya-Elambo road.
“The council remains committed to improving service delivery, while acknowledging challenges including budget constraints, procurement delays and limited infrastructure,” Nuunyango said.
Meanwhile, the Omusati Regional Council is investing more than N$416 million in major water projects aimed at improving water supply and meeting the growing demand for water in the region, according to its 2025/26 annual report tabled in the National Council on Monday.
The projects include N$206 million for the replacement of the existing pipeline and supporting infrastructure between Ogongo and Oshakati, which is 90% complete.
“A further N$123 million is being spent on upgrading the Outapi purification plant to increase its capacity to 438 cubic metres per hour. The project is 75% complete,” the report indicated.
Another N$87 million is being invested in the construction of a 3 000 cubic metre concrete reservoir, elevated tower, pump station and pipeline under the Itapa-Okeehongo water supply scheme, with work currently 19% complete.
Beyond water, the region recorded strong performance in education, being ranked third nationally at Advanced Subsidiary level, where 73.5% of its 1 738 pupils obtained at least three subjects.
The region also supported 8 353 dry-land farmers through agricultural subsidies, while 31 students and graduates received internships at the regional council and local authorities.
However, crime remains a concern. The region recorded 3 670 cases in 2025/26, up from 3 525 cases the previous financial year – a 4% increase.
The Omusati region further recorded 7 410 malaria cases, resulting in 12 deaths, during the reporting period.
The report says development efforts will continue to focus on improving living conditions and strengthening economic activity across the region.
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