Cops battle lockdown offenders

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKWhile law enforcers have faced notable challenges since the countrywide coronavirus lockdown came into effect, police chief Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga says several successes have been recorded.According to him, as from 17 April to the morning of 20 April, a total of 77 suspects were arrested for breaking lockdown regulations.Forty suspects were arrested for illegally selling alcohol, while 14 were arrested for holding public gatherings of more than 10 people.Fifteen people were arrested in connection with the restriction of movement.Two people were arrested for not complying with the prohibition on travel, and six for not complying with the closure of businesses. Ndeitunga provided these statistics on Monday. 10 zonesThe lockdown declared by President Hage Geingob, which has since been extended, will end on 4 May at midnight. Ndeitunga said for the purpose of enforcing the lockdown regulations, the country has been demarcated into 10 zones comprising of 69 checkpoints.“It should be noted that besides the coronavirus pandemic that we are facing, the northern and north-eastern regions of our country are also grappling with floods, which is also a hindrance to our operations in some areas.”He said in Zambezi, law enforcement agencies heavily rely on watercraft for mobility to remote areas, while the border is sandy in some areas, but also characterised by thick bushes and fallen trees.According to him, this makes it difficult for law enforcers to access some of the flood-prone areas, while fishermen from outside the region consider it an advantage and illegally penetrate the border to carry out illegal fishing activities in Namibian waters. Illegal border crossingsHe added that an influx of Zambian nationals to flood-prone areas has been recorded at an alarming rate and has resulted in illegal entry and camping.“However, our members are doing all they can, combining their resources from various organs of the security cluster to ensure that law enforcement patrols are conducted accordingly.” Ndeitunga said that long distances between some border posts and checkpoints, combined with the sandy nature of the terrain in regions such as Ohangwena and Omusati, have also proved to be a hindrance.“This has facilitated some unscrupulous elements to sneak through the border between Namibia and Angola with the intention of conducting contraband activities under the state of emergency.” Booze bluesAccording to him, the publication of the regulations, which allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages containing less than 3% alcohol, turned out to be a problem in some instances.Ndeitunga added that while the announcement of the opening of informal trading in essential goods is a welcome development to many, it has created a loophole for those who wish to exploit the opportunity to indulge in illicit activities.

Cops battle lockdown offenders

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Cops battle lockdown offenders

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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