Due to the success of the police operation “Kalahari Desert” in cracking down on social crimes in Erongo, especially around bars and clubs, there has been a steady increase in domestic violence, the commander said. from Erongo Community Police, Ileni Shapumba, to members of a community crime forum in Swakopmund. last Thursday.

The third phase of the operation in Erongo was launched on Friday, September 13.

According to him, the two previous phases of the operation since May have made it possible to reduce social crimes, in particular in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, where the operation was focused.

These included traffic offenses, impaired driving and misconduct in public, as well as possession of drugs and weapons. These were also more serious crimes against others in society, such as assault, theft, robbery, rape and murder. Many of them took place in shebeens, bars and clubs.

“Social crimes have decreased, but there is concern about home crimes – domestic violence is one of them,” Shapumba said. “The abusers know they can’t be on the streets anymore, so now they stay at home. They may have left home to escape domestic problems and go to drink and take drugs elsewhere.”

While the police cannot go to every house to sort out domestic issues, Shapumba called on the community to resolve the issues by notifying social services to intervene, or the police to intervene.

“If there are problems with you, report them. If you suspect problems with someone else, report them. You cannot do it yourself, and we cannot do it alone. , but we can work together, ”he said.

He suggested that “Operation Kalahari Desert” was the subject of unfair criticism from some.

“The military is accused of sitting down and playing cards and dominoes, and now that they are being used to fight the scourge of crime, people keep complaining,” he said. “Those who call for an end to the Kalahari Desert are wrong. They say it is killing people, but it is a crime that is killing people. The officers are doing their job to stop it.”

He urged those arrested for questioning or arrest by members of the operation to cooperate and not to resist or flee.

“Members will use reasonable force to overcome the resistance. We are trained for this. If a person pulls a gun or a knife, or runs away at breakneck speed, the police can use force or a gun. as a warning, or to stop you if necessary, ”explained Shapumba.

Last Tuesday, Hafeni Haihambo (54), accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Otillie Hanguwo (36) in a cabin in Kuisebmond by slitting his throat, made his first appearance in Walvis Bay Magistrates’ Court.

He was denied bail and was remanded in custody until October 30 for a formal bail request.