Shebeens a concern in Otjozondjupa The constantly increasing number of shebeens in the Otjozondjupa Region is a serious concern for the police.The police commander of the region, Commissioner Armas Shivute informed a stakeholders'' meeting at Otjiwarongo that policing shebeens has become a concern to the members of the force.
“These shebeens are huge role-players in the arena of crime generation,” he said.
Shivute said alcohol abuse at these shebeens, the majority of which are unlicensed, is excessive.
What makes the situation more worrisome is that new unlicensed shebeens appear to be opening on a daily basis, making it difficult for the police to establish exact figures. Shivute said the police have also discovered that it is at these shebeens where gang activities take place and where thieves sell stolen goods. The commander urged police officers and traffic officers to double their presence on the roads between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo and Otjiwarongo and Otavi. He urged them to be on the lookout for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.
The meeting with the police stakeholders was aimed at looking at ways to make policing in the region more effective during the festive season.
Policing activities for the festive season officially kicked off on 16 November and will run until 17 January 2017.
Various stakeholders such as the Otjiwarongo municipality traffic and fire brigade, ambulance services, private emergency service operators and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund were represented at the meeting.
NAMPA