Allexer Namundjebo
The Windhoek City Police says that ride-hailing platforms Yango and InDrive are not formally registered as public transport providers with the City of Windhoek.
City Police spokesperson, Superintendent Mercilline Murapo, said that, despite their digital nature, vehicles offering transport services for hire or reward within the city must have valid operating permits, as required by municipal and national transport laws.
“As of now, Yango and InDrive are not authorised to operate as taxis within the city of Windhoek,” Murapo said.
She said the City Police continues to enforce transport regulations and carry out roadblocks and inspections to identify unauthorised operators.
She said vehicles found without proper permits are fined or face legal action.
“To safeguard commuters and ensure transparency, the City Police regularly conduct roadblocks and targeted inspections. We also encourage passengers to make use of clearly marked, licensed taxis and shuttles that comply with safety and identification standards,” Murapo said.
She added that the City Police are working with national regulators to establish a legal framework for app-based transport services.
The goal is to ensure accountability and public safety across the growing digital transport sector.
This comes as transport minister Veikko Nekundi said last month that Yango is not legally authorised to operate in Windhoek.
Speaking on a local radio station, Nekundi said all public transport providers must meet legal requirements outlined by the city and national law.
However, Yango has denied operating unlawfully.
The company said it acts only as a digital platform connecting passengers with independent drivers.
In a statement issued last week, Yango said, “Each partner is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and complying with all applicable laws. Yango is committed to operating in full compliance with the laws and regulations of every market, including Namibia. We actively engage with relevant authorities and regulatory bodies to align our services with all applicable requirements.”
Yango confirmed it is in discussions with the ministry of works and transport, but no details have been made public.
Concerns over Yango’s legality were raised last year by local shuttle operator Lefa.
On 29 April 2024, Lefa founder Melkies Ausiku said the company was at risk of shutting down due to what he called “unfair and unlawful” competition.
He claimed Yango enables unlicensed and uninsured drivers to operate freely, undercutting law-abiding businesses.
In July last year, Lefa escalated the matter by sending a legal letter of demand to the Windhoek City Police, the Namibian Police, and the Namibia Tourism Board.
The letter alleged that many Yango drivers lack required road carrier permits, tourism transport licenses, and passenger liability insurance, as mandated by the Road Transportation Act of 1977 and the Namibia Tourism Board Act of 2000.
Lefa also filed a formal complaint with the Namibian Competition Commission on 26 April 2024.
The company asked the Commission to investigate Yango’s pricing model and possible violations of the Competition Act.
While Lefa said it supports fair competition, it maintained that all operators must obey the law.
The company warned that without regulatory action, the local transport sector could collapse.
