Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The City of Windhoek has reiterated its commitment to enforcing municipal by-laws that regulate street vending, following a recent incident involving law enforcement’s intervention in Katutura.
The city insists that its actions aim to balance public order, safety, and the needs of vendors.
The CoW’s spokesperson, Harold Akwenye, explained that the city operates under specific by-laws to govern street vending.
“The city is responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations, which are in place to maintain public health and safety, as well as urban aesthetics. Areas around shopping centres like Balck Chain in Katutura are subject to these regulations,” he said.
The statement follows an intervention by Namibian Police who were seen escorting street vendors off public property near the shopping mall.
According to Akwenye, vendors who do not comply with regulations are first engaged in dialogue, with efforts made to educate and assist them in obtaining the necessary permits.
However, the city emphasized that they only consider enforcement actions after exhausting all other options.
“We approach vendors in an effort to help them regularise their status. Only when all efforts to resolve the matter fail do we resort to enforcement,” Akwenye said.
In response to concerns about the involvement of the Namibian Police in these interventions, Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga confirmed that the police assist the city when necessary.
“The regulation of street vendors is governed by the city’s by-laws. The Namibian Police step in when required,” Kuwinga stated.
The recent incident, which took place last week, saw police officers chase vendors and later escort transgressors to waiting law enforcement vehicles in Katutura.
The police intervention, which included officers drawing firearms, sparked debate about the level of force used, with some questioning whether the actions of law enforcement were necessary.
Taxi driver Andreas Iipumbu questioned the actions of law enforcement.
“I don’t see why the police had to chase the vendors in that manner. They were just trying to make a living, not committing a crime. Was it really necessary for them to draw guns? Many of these vendors are working hard to support their families. It feels like the authorities could have dealt with the situation more respectfully, without using excessive force. Why not assist them in getting the right permits instead of chasing them through the streets?” said Ipumbu.
The city, however, stressed its focus on nonconfrontational methods during such interventions.
“The City of Windhoek emphasizes minimizing the use of force during interventions. Training is conducted for enforcement personnel to handle situations calmly and respectfully, and complaints are thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability,” Akwenye said.
