THE City Police have urged the public and business people to desist from making noise as this can attract a fine of up to N$1 000.
The warning follows numerous complaints to the police about noise pollution by the public.
City Police superintendent Garry Shikesho gave the warning during a media conference at the Windhoek Central Police Station on Monday.
“Noise is simply too high. We are receiving between five and 10 noise pollution complaints per day,” he stated.
Shikesho thus urged citizens to observe municipal by-laws, especially when operating shebeens, in order to control the noise levels.
He said police on patrol will also be on the lookout for under-age drinking, noise pollution, and how shebeens are run in general.
“You find some people who can hardly speak or walk still being given ‘one more drink for the road’. That is a fineable offence of N$500,” added Shikesho.
He said alcohol must be consumed at the premises of the shebeens, and may definitely not be served to children.
Shikesho stressed that the police will confiscate the sources of the noise pollution at shebeens, while the establishment will be fined N$1 000.
“We will confiscate the items, bring them to our offices and start profiling the owner of the establishment, plus the person who is found selling or making noise,” he continued.
Shikesho said profiling is done in order to monitor how regularly an establishment is reported for noise pollution, which will then determine such business’ eligibility to trade in future.
“In terms of municipal by-laws, you must have a fitness certificate that declares the place fit to conduct business, issued by the City of Windhoek. If we profile you and you become a regular, then we are not going to recommend you for a fitness certificate and you cannot trade, even if you have a liquor licence” explained Shikesho.
Speaking at the same event, Namibian Police commander for the Khomas region Joseph Shikongo also advised community members and business people to cooperate with law-enforcement agents. He said jukeboxes at bars and shebeens must have licences that are renewed every year, and that disc jockeys (DJs) must also have annual licences that allow them to perform in public.
Shikongo added that those who operate outside permitted operating hours will be arrested and charged in terms of the Liquor Act. They will have to pay a N$4 000 fine, or appear in court.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
