Road crashes rise in Oshikoto
Max Henrich ONGWEDIVA- Oshikoto recorded 166 road crashes resulting in 36 deaths and 314 injuries between 01 January and 10 September 2026, according to Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund statistics. The figures were revealed by Oshikoto Head of Crime Prevention Division, Deputy Commissioner Wynand Neels, during the reactivation of the Oshikoto Regional Road Safety Forum... The post Road crashes rise in Oshikoto appeared first on New Era.
Black News 
Max Henrich
ONGWEDIVA- Oshikoto recorded 166 road crashes resulting in 36 deaths and 314 injuries between 01 January and 10 September 2026, according to Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund statistics.
The figures were revealed by Oshikoto Head of Crime Prevention Division, Deputy Commissioner Wynand Neels, during the reactivation of the Oshikoto Regional Road Safety Forum earlier this week, which has renewed its focus on reducing road crashes, preventing injuries and promoting safer behaviour among road users.
During the same period in 2025, the region recorded 121 crashes, 19 fatalities and 237 injuries.
This means that, compared with the corresponding period last year, crashes increased by 45, fatalities by 17 and injuries by 77.
Speaking at the reactivation, Neels said that the development represents more than the revival of a committee, but a renewed commitment to addressing serious road safety challenges in the region.
Neels said that road safety
is a shared responsibility requiring the involvement of the police, health sector, transport authorities, education institutions, local authorities, businesses, families and communities.
“We must pay particular attention to speeding, reckless and negligent driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, dangerous overtaking, driver fatigue, pedestrian safety and non-compliance with traffic laws,” he said. The forum will focus on strengthening coordination among stakeholders and using road crash data to identify high-risk roads, locations, times and behaviours.
Other priorities include increasing road safety education and awareness, particularly among young people, learners, pedestrians and commercial drivers, while strengthening law enforcement against major causes of crashes.
Neels also called for greater involvement of communities, traditional authorities and the private sector in road safety initiatives.
Members were urged to monitor and evaluate interventions to determine whether they are producing measurable results.
Neels said that the forum should not become merely a platform for presenting reports and holding meetings but should focus on practical action and accountability.
“Every road crash represents more than statistics. Behind every number is a person, a family, a friend, a breadwinner or a child whose life can be changed forever,” he said.
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