192 die in Northern Region road accidents

Road accidents in the just-ended year killed 192 people in the Northern Region, authorities have confirmed.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said yesterday the region recorded 164 cases of fatal accidents against 155 cases recorded in 2017.

He said in the 164 accidents, 192 lives were lost but the figure is lower than that of 2017. In 2017, the accidents claimed 201 lives meaning there was a 4.5 percent drop in the cases.

“We have recorded fewer deaths this year which is a good thing,” said Kalaya.

In general, the road accidents were also on the rise in the region as figures went up from 308 in 2017 to 354 in 2018, representing 13 percent increase.

In crime management, the police also recorded an increase in cases as figures went up by 7.9 percent. In 2017 the region registered 4 169 cases while in 2018 the region recorded 4 470 cases.

However, the police claim the increase was mainly due to minor cases, saying campaigns encouraged people to report rape, defilement and other gender-based violence cases.

Kalaya said serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery, robbery with violence, theft of vehicles and breaking and theft were under check.

He appealed to the public to take part in fighting crime and reducing road accidents.

Northern Region Commissioner of Police Hannings Mlotha said police will ensure that the region is secure.