Windhoek has seen a significant drop in crime statistics recorded from 1 January to 31 May 2026, compared to the same period last year.
This was revealed by the City of Windhoek Mayor, His Workshop Sakarias Uunona at the council’s ordinary meeting last week.
According to Uunona, home burglaries reduced by 27%, business burglaries reduced by 1%, theft reduced by 7%, robberies reduced by 22%, murders reduced by 14% and attempted murders reduced by 10%.
Uunona said the improved figures were primarily due to strong collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The drop in home burglaries is largely due to increased security awareness, active neighbourhood watch groups and use of technology under the safer city strategy.
He, however, emphasised that incidents often linked to unattended properties and inadequate security measures are still a problem as well as theft and robberies, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
In contrast, theft from motor vehicles increased by 4%. Armed robbery, frequently targeting individuals in isolated areas especially at night, rose by 10%, assault cases involving grievous bodily harm increased by 19%. This is largely linked to alcohol and domestic and gender violence.
“While progress is evident, addressing root causes such as substance abuse and social challenges remains essential,” he said.
