Breathalysers remain parked

Kenya KamboweRUNDU The use of breathalysers by the police remains suspended, says Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga.They will, however, continue with unconventional methods to determine whether motorists are under the influence of alcohol, he said.In March, when President Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Ndeitunga directed members of the police, especially traffic officers, to cease the use of breathalysers.Despite being the fastest way to determine whether a motorist is under the influence of alcohol, the police chief yesterday reiterated that the use of breathalysers is not advisable.He said because breathalysers are risky as far as combating the pandemic is concerned, traffic officers will continue to use blood testing kits as well as other methods such as seeing whether a motorist is able to stand on one leg for some time. 'Drunkard society'“That was stopped because of Covid-19 and up to now it's not safe to use. We have resorted to the drawing of blood,” Ndeitunga said.The police chief is on record describing Namibia as a “drunkard society” due to the manner in which alcohol is abused. Ndeitunga said the temporary prohibition on the sale of alcohol during the lockdown transformed citizens into healthy people and reduced criminal activities significantly.President Geingob lifted the state of emergency last month.

Breathalysers remain parked

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-18

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Breathalysers remain parked

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-18

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