The Windhoek City Police has warned residents about taxi-related robberies in which passengers are allegedly threatened and forced to transfer or withdraw money.
City Police Sergeant Lahia Haitota says some victims are picked up, especially in the CBD, driven around for hours and later abandoned in unfamiliar areas.
"They are forced to open their phone, obviously, and now go to their banking app and transfer money to different numbers, or they also force them now to withdraw money via the cardless options."
Police say the suspects may also examine victims' phones for banking notifications and previous transactions.
Haitota says some victims have reportedly been forced to send money to people they have previously sent money to, who are then contacted by the suspects.
"It looks like it's a well-organised crime where they will force you now to send money to previous numbers that you have sent money to, and then they will call those people so that they can send the PIN while they are with you in the car, threatening you."
Police are urging residents, especially those travelling alone, to exercise caution before getting onto a taxi.
Residents are urged to verify taxis through the City of Windhoek's e-portal, record the vehicle and taxi numbers, and share their trip details or live location with someone they trust.
"Before you buy any taxi, please use our taxi verification application that is found on the City of Windhoek e-Portal just to confirm if the taxi is legit."
If the details do not match, residents are advised not to enter the vehicle and to report the suspected private taxis.
"If it does not, obviously, it's a pirate taxi. Report that taxi. There is also an option where you can report it via the app, or you can call our numbers. Otherwise, do not get into that taxi."
Police also say victims should immediately report robberies and open cases to assist with investigations.
Residents can contact the Windhoek City Police Service on 061 290 2239 or 061 302 302 or send an SMS to 454.
"We are working tirelessly and actively to bring these perpetrators to book. But we also are committed now to protecting our residents and visitors alike, but equally vigilance is also important, and your safety comes first."