The Namibian Police (Nampol) has established roadblocks on ten roads around Karasburg to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (BKS). Adjunct Commissioner Nicodemus Mbango, acting regional commander of Nampol in the ǁKharas region, made a call to residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers and adhere to measures aimed at containing and overcoming the outbreak. Mbango emphasized that everyone is affected and urged residents to work together with officers at the roadblocks.
The measures were put in place following a notification from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, which prohibited the movement of animals in the affected area. Mbango stated that police operations were launched to enforce regulations, with around 30 members deployed in the Karasburg district. The roadblocks are operated daily and continuously, with no chance of allowing any movement through control points without inspection.
Mbango highlighted that police officers at the roadblocks have faced challenges, particularly when checking people transporting raw meat. He expressed concern that some individuals are reluctant to provide receipts for the meat they are transporting. According to regulations, anyone purchasing meat at a store must produce a receipt. Mbango questioned the difficulty in carrying a receipt for purchased meat.
The goal of the police operation is to enforce the law based on announced regulations. Mbango assured that the police are prepared and requested full cooperation from community members. He emphasized that there will be a strong and visible police presence in the Karasburg district, and no prohibited movement of animals or animal products will be allowed through the roadblocks.
During a community meeting in Keetmanshoop, facilitated by the governor of ǁKharas, Dawid Gertze, Mbango discussed the enforcement of BKS regulations and control measures in the Karasburg area. The meeting aimed to address the concerns of residents and provide clarity on the measures being implemented to combat the disease.
Anyone found guilty of an offense under the Animal Health Act may face a fine of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Mbango stressed that residents must cooperate with law enforcement officers to prevent the spread of the disease. The police are committed to ensuring that the regulations are enforced to protect the region's livestock.
The roadblocks are part of a broader effort to contain and overcome the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Karasburg area. By working together with residents and enforcing regulations, the police aim to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the local livestock industry. The measures are being implemented to ensure the well-being of both humans and animals in the region.
Key points
- The Namibian police have set up roadblocks on ten roads around Karasburg to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
- Residents are urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and adhere to measures aimed at containing and overcoming the outbreak.
- Anyone found guilty of an offense under the Animal Health Act may face a fine of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
