ONGWEDIVA – No police officers are allowed to remove a licence disc from a vehicle without following the proper procedures outlined in the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1990.

In a recent media statement, Namibian police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said in light of circulating information regarding the illegal removal of vehicle discs, only an authorised traffic officer appointed in terms of Section 11 of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999 is allowed to act under regulation 163 of the Road Traffic and transport of 2001.

“A licensed inspector, vehicle examiner or traffic officer may issue a notice to discontinue operation of a motor vehicle on the approved form and direct that the motor vehicle must be produced at a vehicle testing station for inspection or testing,” said Shikwambi.

She maintained that the licensed inspector or traffic officer must remove the licence disc belonging to that vehicle and forward it to the vehicle testing station with a copy of the notice.

“The notice specifies to which station the vehicle should be taken and indicates the period within which the vehicle shall be taken to the vehicle testing station – and the period should not exceed 14 days,” she said.

Regarding falsified or counterfeit licence discs, she said any person found involved in this case would be arrested and brought before a magistrate for criminal prosecution.

She urged all motorists to render the necessary cooperation with law enforcement officials during the execution of their duties.

“Police officers who are acting contrary to the provision of law that relates to the removal of license discs should desist from such practices and simply apply the laws stipulated,” said Shikwambi.

The public is reminded to abide by the laws and regulations of the road, and to avoid arrest and prosecution during the festive season.

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