Africa-Press – Namibia. DESPITE the borders between Angola and Namibia being closed, Namibia continues to collect revenue of up to N$700 000 monthly through cross-border smuggling.
The money is collected from smugglers who are illegally importing fuel, second-hand clothing, food, plasticware, and cigarettes from Angola. The borders between Namibia and Angola have been closed since 13 March 2020 for the movement of people.
Namra spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu says the border closure has resulted in increased smuggling activities and illegal crossing at undesignated points.
This has increased the agency’s revenue from fines issued to smugglers, he says. The fines are estimated to be as high as N$8 000 for smugglers with vehicles.
Shidhudhu says border officials, in collaboration with the police, have been conducting patrols mainly at Omahenene, Oshikango, and Kasamane, where illegal activities are prevalent.
“Currently, customs officials are part of ‘Operation Cloudburst’, which is carried out along the Namibia-Angola border, and has so far led to the seizure of many fuel containers and plastic household items,” Shidhudhu says. He says travellers must declare any goods upon entry into Namibia.
“The smuggling of illegal goods negatively impacts the economy, and some goods may be harmful to the public, hence the limitations and controls imposed. Any trader or importer who is not sure about the applicable import regulations and requirements should contact our nearest office for guidance,” he says.
Although there is currently minimal activity at the border post, Shidhudhu says officials are required to report for duty as they are on gate and border patrol.
Customs and excise officials have been working in shifts at active border posts, he says. “The Oshikango border post has 40 staff members working in shifts on the clearance of essential goods.
“The enforcement and risk team conducts daily patrols along the border and collects around N$500 000 per month,” Shidhudhu says.
At the Kasamane border post in the Omusati region, staff has collected N$150 000 monthly, Shidhudhu says. He says this revenue is likely to decline as rules on the fining of smugglers are expected to change.
“The revenue is expected to decline, because they will now have to be arrested. The court will now decide what will happen.
“In the past they were given an administrative fine, which they paid,” Shidhudhu says.
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