Kavango West Regional Commander, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, has issued a firm warning to motorists as crashes increased compare to last year
By TUW
Kavango West Regional Commander, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, has issued a firm warning to motorists as the region braces for an expected increase in traffic during the festive season.
Speaking during an information-sharing session organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), the Government Information Centre (GIC), Commissioner Sakuwa-Neo stressed that law enforcement officers will intensify operations to curb rising road accidents.
According to her, the police will strictly enforce road regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies, noting that irresponsible driving behaviour continues to put lives at risk.
She highlighted that driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, reckless overtaking, overloading, roadside shebeens, and non-compliant taxi drivers remain among the region’s major safety concerns. She further emphasised that law enforcement will not tolerate motorists who resist police instructions or those transporting illegal goods.
Commissioner Sakuwa-Neo revealed alarming statistics, stating that Kavango West recorded 307 road crashes involving 332 vehicles during the period under review— a significant increase from the 192 crashes reported in 2024.
“September registered the highest number of crashes with 43 incidents, followed by June and August, while February recorded the lowest with 11 accidents,” she said.
Fatalities in the region now stand at 19, with 62 serious injuries and 70 slight injuries. She added that seven of the fatalities involved pedestrians, while two were caused by stray animals on the roads.
Commissioner Sakuwa-Neo also confirmed a tragic incident that occurred near Mururani on Tuesday, where an eight-year-old child died instantly after two wheels detached from a moving truck and struck him. The truck driver reportedly remained unaware that the wheels had come off.
In addition to crash statistics, the Regional Commander reported that law enforcement officers issued 1,575 summonses, amounting to N$7 million in government revenue.
She urged communities to change their attitudes toward road safety, warning that without behavioural change, the period between December and January could see even more devastating incidents.
“We are preparing for an influx of road users this festive season, but if drivers do not comply with the law, we may face a very difficult and tragic holiday period,” she cautioned.
