Erongo Police have raised alarm over increasing illegal taxi operations and the use of taxis to transport drugs in Walvis Bay.
At a meeting with taxi drivers in Walvis Bay, the Head of Community Policing, Senior Inspector Judith Shoomongula, revealed that taxis are increasingly becoming a mode of transport for criminals and drug parcels.
"It is very dangerous to carry a person that is going to the consignment. Because if we happen to get you with that parcel and there is something illegal, we are not going to look for that person who gave you the parcel; we are just going to deal with you. Yes, we, the police, are encouraging you to form up a forum or a group that will fight against crime. You can become an informer when you give information to the police, but not to all the police, only to that specific police officer."
Head of Crime Prevention, Chief Inspector. Eric Nhgaamwa adds, "Leave the others. If they are doing it, report them to the police. If you give good information to the police, and you don't trust every police officer, if you trust only one. That you are giving information. That I just dropped a parcel of dagga in one house now. A parcel I suspect to be dagga."
Municipal authorities also announced new measures aimed at improving safety in the town, including the installation of CCTV cameras in crime hotspots and at key traffic intersections.
"This project is funded by the Rothbard Administration and will commence very, very, very soon, as this is already awarded. These systems are aimed at monitoring traffic behaviour and curbing reckless driving, which has unfortunately become a growing concern on our roads," adds Chief of the Fire Emergency & Protection Services Tutaleni Kathindi.
Traffic authorities urged taxi operators to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and warned that illegal taxi operations will not be tolerated.
Taxi drivers also raised concerns about unfair targeting by traffic officers and competition from unlicensed operators.
"They don't have even a learner's licence; they are a lot. They are driving here in Walvis Bay, but any mistake from a taxi driver makes a mistake; traffic is just behind us," expressed taxi driver Hamutenya Stephanus.
Authorities say the engagement is the first step toward building better relations between law enforcement and taxi operators.