The Erongo regional police collected N$1.7 million in fines from almost 2 000 summonses last festive season, as the authorities vow to reduce road accidents and fatalities this year.
This was announced during the official launch of the 2025/26 festive season roadblocks yesterday.
Erongo region commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona said the operations aim to reduce road accidents, fatalities, and dangerous driving.
“Our mandate is not just statements.
Every deployment and enforcement decision is guided by these objectives,” he said.
In addition, 698 court summonses were served, yielding N$595 475 in fines.
Officers made 27 drink-and-drive arrests, executed 42 warrants valued at N$44 250, and issued 76 suspension notices.
In total, 132 patrols were conducted, 27 515 drivers were screened for alcohol, 125 courtesy notifications were issued, and officers travelled 83 451km.
The region recorded five road fatalities during the period, one down from six in 2023/24.
“Even one life lost is too many,” Kupembona said.
He warned that fatigue among truck drivers remains the leading cause of serious accidents, citing a B2 road incident where a truck left the road and overturned, killing both the driver and passenger.
He said many truck operators are under pressure, paid per load, or inexperienced, increasing the risk of accidents.
Kupembona urged transport companies to prioritise rest and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
Targeted patrols have also yielded results.
On the high-risk stretch between Arandis and Usakos, no serious or fatal accidents were recorded during the 2024/25 festive season.
Kupembona said this demonstrates that intelligence-driven policing can make a measurable difference.
He warned that heavy truck volumes from the Port of Walvis Bay remain a challenge.
Long convoys, congested roads without passing lanes, and frustrated drivers attempting dangerous manoeuvres continue to pose risks.
Governor Natalia /Goagoses emphasised the shared responsibility of road users and raised concerns over alcohol and driver licensing.
“We need to review our laws so that drivers use our roads sober, and we bring stringent laws to punish those who do not. If possible, the licences of service stations allowed to sell alcohol should be reviewed. Another problem is road users being licensed too easily.
“One cannot tell me that after obtaining your learners’ licence you drive from Swakopmund elsewhere to get your full licence.
It means something is wrong with the issuing of driving licences in our department,” she said.
She said stricter control of liquor licences and better regulation of driver licensing could support national campaigns aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities.
“The continued availability of alcohol at fuel stations undermines efforts to reduce crashes linked to drunk driving. Revisiting licensing conditions could help us achieve safer roads,” /Goagoses said.
This year’s operations include static and mobile roadblocks across the Erongo region, supported by the Roads Authority and traffic officers from Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Arandis, and Henties Bay.
National traffic headquarters monitoring teams will also conduct visits to assess effectiveness on the ground.
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