Renthia Kaimbi
An 81-year-old pensioner was arrested on Monday after police in the Erongo region found illicit tobacco products worth nearly N$100 000 during a routine traffic stop near Usakos.
Senior inspector Judith Shomungula of the Erongo Police said officers searched a white Toyota Quantum with Swakopmund registration plates travelling from Oshakati towards Henties Bay.
They discovered 2 495 packets of “Yes” brand cigarettes.
The driver, Namibian pensioner Rusia Ugwanga, was arrested for contravening Sections 16 and 17 of the Tobacco Products Control Act of 2010, which regulates the possession of illicit tobacco products.
Ugwanga appeared before the Usakos Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where she was granted bail of N$5 000.
Her case was postponed to 10 November 2025 for further investigation.
The case highlights challenges in addressing cross-border illicit trade.
In 2023, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) introduced a ban on the import of certain Angolan food items and alcoholic beverages, including “Best” whisky, macaroni, and cooking oil.
The ban was based on concerns that some products lacked expiry dates, proper English labelling, and composition details, posing health risks.
At the time, NamRA spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu stressed the agency’s focus on consumer safety and warned citizens against buying non-compliant goods. While the move sought to protect the public, it also disrupted informal trade routes, pushing some traders toward other forms of illegal commerce.
Following the Usakos arrest, NamRA repeated its call for compliance. Shidhudhu said all importers must follow the law, regardless of where goods come from.
“NamRA expects all traders and travelers to comply with the law by ensuring that whatever they bring into the country is legal and properly declared,” Shidhudhu told the Windhoek Observer.
“Anyone who is uncertain should approach our offices for guidance. This applies not only to goods from Angola but to imports from anywhere in the world.”
