Stefanus Nashama
The Namibian Police confirmed that a list of arrest warrants and traffic ticket fines, which recently circulated on social media, was shared maliciously by officials in the Oshikoto Region.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi addressed the matter on Wednesday.
She clarified the police were aware of the circulating report and assured the public that it was not an official release.
“Certainly, the Namibian Police is aware of the circulating report through social media platforms which was unfortunately maliciously shared and circulated by officials from the Oshikoto Region,” Shikwambi stated.
She said the list was not the intended course of action by the police.
The list in question names 1 332 individuals who are wanted for arrest due to outstanding traffic fines dating back to 2021.
She indicated that these individuals had failed to pay their fines, leading to the issuance of warrants for their arrest.
Shikwambi advised drivers with unresolved traffic tickets to settle their fines in the respective areas where they were issued to avoid facing arrest.
“It is important for motorists to approach the traffic units or Magistrate’s Courts in the areas where the fines were issued to resolve their outstanding tickets,” she said.
Amid public calls to cancel outstanding ticket fines, Shikwambi emphasised that the Namibian Police does not have the authority to write off fines.
“The police are law enforcement officers, not empowered to cancel tickets. Once a ticket is issued, it becomes a court matter, and individuals must visit the court to resolve it,” she explained.
Last week, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, also said that the decision to cancel fines rests with the Criminal Justice Forum.
“It is not within my jurisdiction to cancel fines. The Criminal Justice Forum is the body that makes those decisions, and as of now, no such approval has been granted,” Shikongo stated.
Both Shikwambi and Shikongo have urged the public to respect the law, avoid illegal practices, and contribute to safer roads.
Shikwambi reiterated the importance of road safety especially with the holidays of next week in mind.
“Given the worrying statistics on road accidents, we urge all road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, avoid drinking and driving, obey speed limits, and refrain from overloading,” she stressed.
Equally, Shikwambi called on all road users – drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians – to take personal responsibility for their actions and help save lives during the holiday season.
