Niël Terblanché
Smugglers have suffered a significant blow to their illicit fuel trade that has been plaguing the northern border towns of Namibia.
The Ohangwena Police, in a coordinated crackdown, have arrested four men involved in the smuggling and sale of approximately 2,700 litres of illegal fuel.
The operation saw the suspects being apprehended at Omafo, with the illegal commodity sourced from Angola.
Officers detained three men, aged 44, 33, and 20 when they were caught red-handed while in possession of the smuggled fuel.
A fourth individual, a 57-year-old man, was arrested while in the act of refuelling his vehicle with contraband fuel.
According to Chief Inspector Raimbert Muronga, the Head of Community Policing in the Kavango West Region, the street value of the confiscated fuel is estimated at around N$57,000.
He said that the illegal trade of smuggled fuel has been undercutting legitimate service stations in the northern regions of the country.
The Ohangwena Police’s swift action comes amid reports of declining sales at official fuel outlets, particularly in the border town of Oshikango and surrounding villages.
According to Chief Inspector Muronga, a joint operation, dubbed Twagwanekera – meaning ‘come together’ – has been launched, involving officers from both the Kavango West and Ohangwena regions.
He said Operation Twagwanekera aims to bolster efforts to curb not only fuel smuggling but also other related crimes that threaten the safety and economic stability of the area.
Chief Inspector Muronga also issued a stern warning against engaging in the illegal fuel trade, highlighting the broader implications for the community and the economy.
He said that Operation Twagwanekera is evidence of the collaborative spirit required to address complex cross-border and other types of crime.
He added that the operation is a renewed commitment to law enforcement and community engagement in the fight against all kinds of crime.
He reiterated that the trade in illegal fuel will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.
Chief Inspector Muronga called for increased vigilance that will be needed to protect the community’s interests and he urged for public cooperation in reporting such illicit activities.
