Community Policing Officer
The Windhoek City Police Service has noted with serious concern the increasing number of unauthorised public transport operations within the city. Investigations have revealed that numerous operators are transporting passengers without proper authorisation, including shuttles to the airport and those registered through digital applications.
The City of Windhoek, which regulates public transportation, urges all public motor vehicle owners transporting passengers for reward to obtain transportation permits and register with the Windhoek Municipal Police Service to obtain the necessary authorisation.
According to Regulation 94 (1)(a) of the Municipality of Windhoek Street and Traffic Regulations, as promulgated by Government Notice No. 9 of 1930: “No motor vehicle shall ply for hire or reward, and no person shall permit, cause, or allow any motor vehicle to be used for the purpose of plying for hire or reward within the municipal area of Windhoek unless such motor vehicle has been duly registered by the council.” The regulation goes on to say that “any person who, by means of any vehicle, conveys any passengers or goods, or both, shall be presumed to convey such passengers or goods for hire or reward, and such vehicle shall be presumed to be a public vehicle unless in either case the contrary is proved.” Currently, the city has over 5000 registered public motor vehicles (taxis) due to the ease and affordability of registration. To register a public motor vehicle, one must have a transportation permit indicating its operational area, as per Section 31 (1) (a) of the Road Transportation Act 1977, (Act 74 of 1977).
According to Regulation 284 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations, published under Government Notice 53 of 2001, an operator must be identified and registered if they convey passengers for reward. Additionally, Regulation 127(1)(b) that states a driver may not convey passengers for reward unless their driving licence is endorsed with a professional authorisation (PA).
Once all requirements are met, vehicles undergo thorough inspections by authorised officers to determine their roadworthiness. Upon passing inspection, a registration certificate (blue paper) is issued to the operator. This certificate authorises a taxi to operate within the city, as regulated by Regulation 94, with the cost of obtaining this document being N$60 and renewable every six months.
To avoid a fine of N$1 000 or their operations being grounded, public motor vehicle owners or drivers are strongly urged to follow the outlined registration process. For more information, potential operators can visit the Windhoek City Police Headquarters situated at the corner of Essen and Sishen Streets in Windhoek North or they contact us on 061 302 302.
For more information, the Windhoek City Police Service can be reached at 061 302302, or a short SMS can be sent to 4444.