‘Stop driving with voter’s cards’

The Windhoek City Police has warned drivers in Windhoek to stop driving with voter’s cards and police declarations.

Public relations and community policing sergeant Kavekotova Humavindu told Desert Radio yesterday some Windhoek motorists are driving without valid driving licences.

“We learnt that a lot of drivers are still driving without their licences, or driving with their learner’s licence without supervision, and to our surprise they are now driving with their voter’s cards,” Humavindu said.

“We are seeing this, and the rule is very clear. We just go to the book. We educate and when it comes to driving licences, really we cannot compromise on that.”

Humavindu said drivers should have a valid driving licence with them whenever they are on the road.

“Going down to give your voter’s card to a traffic officer, that is not going to be tolerated. Let us make sure we do what is expected from us as drivers, as we all know the rules. Let us always comply,” she said.

The City Police’s warning comes after Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo last month urged traffic officers to give road users warnings rather than issue tickets immediately.

Shikongo made this plea at Oshikango, while addressing police officers on the significance of professionalism and serving the community with compassion.

“Where you need to give a warning to a member of the public, warn a member. Do not just punish a person every time. It is not our job to punish people. We are there to educate and make people understand traffic laws through the media, not just to issue a fine. Give a warning. After two times, then issue a fine,” Shikongo said.

New Era earlier this month reported that Shikongo ordered traffic officers to stop hiding police vehicles in the bushes along highways and jumping on to the road to catch speeding motorists.

Shikongo also urged motorists not to abuse the leniency of traffic officers, who issue warnings instead of tickets, and break road rules deliberately.

“I am informed that there are some road users who drive through red traffic lights, giving excuses that I said they should not be issued tickets. That is not what I said, I said officers should consider wellness checks such as tyres, cracked windows and others,” he said.