Rehoboth sets up drug squad
After years of efforts to reduce drug abuse in Rehoboth, the town council and the Namibian Police jointly set up a drug unit based in the town.Rehoboth mayor, Amanda Groenewaldt, symbolically presented Nampol Inspector General Joseph Shikongo with a key to the office provided by the council to the unit to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the town.
Drug abuse is rife in Rehoboth. According to the region's crime statistics for 2021-2022, the crime rate stood at 46%. Alcohol and drug abuse have been identified as leading causes of crime, such as assault and rape. In addition, other serious crimes such as burglary and robbery are a serious problem in Rehoboth, too. Addicts often commit these crimes to be able to pay for their daily needs.
Shikongo took the opportunity to stress the importance of cooperation between agencies and called on the community to provide information that will help eliminate drug-related crime.
He promised to ensure that the office has all the necessary resources. "The establishment of the Rehoboth drug unit office is a significant milestone in our fight against drug-related crime in the region."