Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK residents are being urged to verify taxis before boarding and report suspicious vehicles and persons following warnings about organised robberies targeting taxi passengers in the capital.
The Windhoek City Police Service has advised passengers to use the City of Windhoek’s taxi verification service to confirm whether a taxi is registered before getting into the vehicle.
Residents can access the taxi verification service through the City of Windhoek’s E-Portal (https://portal.windhoekcc.org.na/Services/TaxiVerification) or download the City of Windhoek application, available on Google Play and iOS.
Passengers can enter the taxi’s bid number on the City’s E-Portal to verify whether the vehicle’s colour, make and registration number correspond with the information on record.
The City Police previously warned that passengers, particularly those travelling alone, have been targeted in robberies in which victims are allegedly held for hours, forced to transfer money or withdraw cash, and abandoned in unfamiliar areas.
Residents are advised to remain alert when boarding taxis and to avoid entering a vehicle if they feel unsafe or if the details of the vehicle do not correspond with the information provided by the City’s verification service.
The City Police also encouraged residents to record a taxi’s registration number, bid number, colour, make and other identifying features before travelling and to share their travel plans and live location with a trusted person where possible.
Suspicious movements involving vehicles or persons can be reported to the Windhoek City Police Service on 061 302 302 or 061 290 3339, or send an SMS to 4444.
Residents who become victims of robbery or any other crime are urged to report the incident and open a case to enable the police to investigate.
Photos: File/Windhoek City Police Service – WCPS
