By Stefanus Nashama

Law enforcement and transport stakeholders raised concern regarding the usage of public transport for the circulation and trafficking of drugs and other illicit substances across Windhoek.  This comes after drivers of public transport involved in the pick-up and delivery of items and parcels, especially through-hailing services. It is now feared that public transport operators are unknowingly delivering parcels without the knowledge of the content of what they are caring, sparking worries that drug peddlers are exploiting this loophole in system.  According to the drivers, they have identified popular distribution points where these services are frequently used to circulate drugs, often disguised as regular parcel deliveries. 
 

This growing trend has sparked fears that, without urgent intervention, the practice could escalate into a serious criminal network and undermine efforts ensuring public safety.
 

Speaking to Confidente, Namibian Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, said he was not yet aware of specific reports implicating specific ride-hailing services in drug transportation. However, he confirmed that similar incidents have occurred across various vehicle types.
 

“No report has reached me yet, but there have been incidents where different types of vehicles were caught transporting dangerous items,” Shikongo said. 
 

“It is not just ride-hailing services any vehicle, including taxis and even ambulances, can be misused for such illegal activities,” he added.
 

Shikongo urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
“The call is for the public to work together with the police to fight crime. That is the most effective way to deal with this issue,” he said. “Do not sit back and watch. Alert the police whenever you come across such matters.”
The Inspector General also emphasized that the police remain committed to ensuring national security and will continue to pursue all cases that threaten peace and safety.
 

The secretary-general of the Namibia Buses and Taxi Association, Pendapala Nakathingo, said the transportation of drugs and illicit substances is a serious concern that requires attention from the government and law enforcement agencies.
“I am not saying that no taxis or buses are carrying these items, because passengers often have bags that drivers have no right to search,” Nakathingo said.
 

He added that public awareness campaigns are essential, noting that the police is aware of some of the locations where such drugs are sold from.
 

“This is similar to deliveries by the postal service, sometimes they know what is inside, and sometimes they do not. The same principle applies here. The government needs to work closely with the taxi and bus association to prevent such incidents. The country must be serious about this issue,” he explained.
Co-founder of one of Namibia’s well-known ride-hailing services, Lefa Transportation Services, Kalipi Aludhilu, said that the company has strict measures in place to ensure no prohibited items are transported through its service.
“On our part, our priority is to ensure that each passenger, parcel, or piece of baggage is checked by the driver for safety reasons,” Aludhilu said.
 

He acknowledged that such incidents may occur but stressed that this was new to them. Reuban Williams off Yango Group also said he was not aware of such practices, before referring Confidente to a person who could not be reached despite several attempts.
 

“All media communications are handled in South Africa. We do not have an office in Namibia that speaks to the media. However, I will link you to the relevant person,” Williams said.