Angolan Fuel Traders Speak Out Against Namibian Police Seizures at Oshikango

Angolan nationals involved in the informal fuel trade, commonly known at the border as Ngungula, have accused the Namibian Police of continued harassment at the Oshikango border post, saying frequent fuel seizures are crippling their livelihoods. Traders say they suffer daily losses when police confiscate their fuel during routine operations. They allege that, while some seized fuel is destroyed, other confiscated items are taken without explanation, leaving traders uncertain about their rights. Similar complaints have been raised in the past by cross-border traders, with concerns repeatedly surfacing over inconsistent law enforcement at the border. Despite senior police officials previously clarifying that Angolan nationals are allowed to trade legally in Namibia, traders say the same treatment has continued the ground. One well-known fuel trader at the border, Antonia Dumingu, popularly associated with the Ngungula fuel trade, said she has suffered heavy financial losses. “I honestly do not know where I will end up because of the losses I am suffering from this fuel business,” she said. “The police should put clear rules in place so that we know how to operate legally and sell our fuel freely in this country,” she added. Another fuel trader, who preferred anonymity, claimed that police often confiscate both fuel and money. As a result, he said he has been forced to operate discreetly from his residence. “When you are caught by the police, they take your fuel and your cash,” he said. “Sometimes, you are told to pay money so that you can be released on the same day,” he added. Despite the ongoing complaints, Namibian Police chief Joseph Shikongo has reiterated that there is no law prohibiting Angolan nationals from trading in Namibia, including fuel trading, provided they comply with national regulations. He made these remarks during a crime awareness meeting held in Omashana two months ago. “If a person is an Angolan national and wishes to operate a business in Namibia, they are allowed to do so,” Shikongo said. “The only requirement is that they follow Namibian laws governing business operations. That is the government’s position,” he said. He explained that traders entering Namibia with fuel (Ngungula), Cuca beer or any other goods from Angola must first declare them to the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA). “Before trading, the individual must report to NamRA, where they will be issued with the necessary permits and documentation indicating the type and quantity of goods they are bringing into the country. Once this is done, they are free to trade legally in Namibia,” he said. However, despite these clarifications having been issued months ago, Angolan fuel traders say arrests and confiscations continue during police operations, particularly when traders are suspected of operating without valid permits or proper documentation. Shikongo also pointed out that cross-border trade is not one-sided. He noted that many Namibians regularly cross into Angola to buy fuel and other goods for resale, while others operate businesses in Angola without facing arrests. “Both foreign nationals and Namibians are allowed to trade if they are registered and issued with permits through NamRA. This ensures lawful and orderly trade in the country,” he said. He stressed that the law applies equally to everyone, and that compliance with regulations determines whether a trader is operating legally in Namibia.