Allexer Namundjebo
The Landless People’s Movement has demanded the urgent finalisation and publication of the reviewed informal trading bylaws with the clear engagement of vendor associations, trade unions, and social movements.
The party made the call in a statement issued by its acting deputy spokesperson, William Minnie, following an incident between Windhoek City Police and street vendors last week along Werner List Street.
“We call for the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against the officers involved in the act. We further demand a transparent and time-bound investigation into ongoing police misconduct against vendors,” Minnie said.
He described the police’s actions as dehumanising and a violation of the dignity and socio-economic rights of vulnerable citizens.
The confrontation, part of the city’s “My City, My Pride” operation, aimed to remove vendors from non-designated trading areas.
The City of Windhoek said it launched the operation after complaints from formal businesses about obstructions.
It stated that informal trading is not allowed on Werner List Street, but that alternative demarcated zones are available in the CBD.
City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said officers found two vendors trading illegally.
She said the vendors refused to relocate or pay a fine, which resulted in the officers taking action.
“A warning shot was discharged into the air strictly as a safety precaution, not as an act of aggression,” she said.
“No one was arrested. The aim was corrective, not punitive.”
The Affirmative Repositioning movement condemned the incident.
AR Khomas regional chairperson Sem David said, “We strongly condemn the recent acts of brutality exhibited by members of the Windhoek City Police against innocent street vendors, particularly our hustling mothers trying to make an honest living.”
David alleged that officers violently harassed a female vendor and pulled a firearm on unarmed citizens.
“This level of aggression is unacceptable, unjustified, and deeply concerning,” he said.
David also said the movement had previously written to the city with peaceful proposals but received no response.
“They must either be brought to order or removed from the force,” he said, warning of “radical action” if such conduct continues.
Street vendor Ruthima Lungi said the designated trading areas are too far from customers.
“You can sit there the whole day and just get N$10. We are selling so we can support our families,” she said in an interview with local media.
She explained that vendors move with their goods to attract buyers.
Another vendor, Adeline Mukuve, said police routinely patrol to check for vendors.
“It seems like we have become criminals now. We go there to hustle for our kids; we are not criminals,” she said. “They are even wasting petrol for the municipality.”
The City of Windhoek enforces bylaws that prohibit trading on certain streets, including Werner List.
Similar confrontations have occurred in the past, especially in the Central Business District, where many informal traders, mostly women, sell goods on sidewalks and roadways.
When the City of Windhoek instructs vendors to relocate or risk fines and goods seizure, conflicts frequently emerge.
Many resist due to the poor business conditions in the designated zones.
Incidents have included reports of vendors being manhandled, goods confiscated, and force used by officers.
