Traffic police ready for December booze crackdown

Police in the Otjozondjupa region are preparing to intensify roadside alcohol screening during the festive season, with new breathalyser equipment expected to help officers identify and arrest drunk drivers on the spot.Namibian Police regional traffic coordinator Alvenath Uiseb said the region had received new alcohol screening devices and evidential breathalyser machines, which are already operational ahead of the festive-season traffic operations starting on 16 November.Speaking during an information-sharing session in Otjiwarongo last Wednesday, Uiseb said officers had been trained to operate the equipment, which would be deployed during random checks and additional roadblocks along major routes.“We were fortunate to have the new screening devices in operation, and we have got the recently pledged evidential machines also that are fully in operation,” he said.He warned that motorists found exceeding the legal alcohol limit would be arrested immediately.“If you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested on the spot,” Uiseb said.Tackling hotspotsThe alcohol screening operations will form part of intensified enforcement along the B1 highway and other routes in the region, particularly around identified accident hotspots, including Otavi, Kalkfeld and the stretch between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja.Uiseb said additional roadblocks would be established between existing checkpoints, allowing officers to conduct random alcohol screening and speed monitoring.The operations follow a national festive season planning meeting held in Windhoek on 20 October, where stakeholders discussed and pledged resources for the upcoming campaign.He said police vehicles had been serviced, personnel prepared and reinforcements from other regions arranged, particularly for deployment along the B1 corridor.Uiseb also urged motorists embarking on long-distance journeys to avoid alcohol, observe speed limits and take breaks when tired rather than relying on energy drinks to remain alert.The enforcement drive comes as Otjozondjupa has recorded 204 road crashes and 53 fatalities so far this year, with authorities citing alcohol abuse, speeding and reckless driving among the leading causes of accidents.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Traffic police ready for December booze crackdown

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-09

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Traffic police ready for December booze crackdown

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-09

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