Oshikoto – The Namibian Police Force, in collaboration with the Men and Women Network against Crime, has launched a three-day operation in the Oshikoto Region to combat gender-based violence (GBV). The operation, announced in Omuthiya on Monday by Deputy Commissioner Wynand Neels, is part of the ongoing 16 days of activism against GBV campaign.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Neels stated that the operation, running from 04 to 06 December 2023, targets suspects and individuals involved in GBV-related crimes, including elderly abuse. The focus is on a range of offences, including rape, murder, kidnapping, common assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, online child abuse and exploitation, trafficking in persons, and other related offences like domestic violence, child labour, and child neglect.

The deputy commissioner emphasized the goal of reducing GBV crimes in the region through enhanced police and stakeholder cooperation. This includes developing risk profiles for targeted crime types and suspects, as well as building operational capacity and morale among female officers.

The theme for this year’s 16 days of activism against GBV is ‘Unite, invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’ Neels remarked that Namibia’s annual participation in the campaign demonstrates its commitment to fighting gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign is a global initiative that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day.