The Roads Authority (RA) is rejecting applications to register vehicles imported from Hong Kong after an increase in cases involving fraudulent or unverifiable registration and ownership documents.
The authority says vehicles whose documentation cannot be verified with the relevant Hong Kong authorities do not meet the requirements for registration and will not be allowed onto Namibia’s vehicle register.
The rejection was announced on Friday by RA chief executive Hippy Tjivikua, who indicated that it has observed a significant increase in applications involving vehicles whose registration details, ownership documents or other particulars could not be verified.
He warned that submitting fraudulent, altered or unverifiable documents could have legal consequences, including possible investigation and prosecution.
“Any vehicle presented with fraudulent, altered or unverifiable documentation will not be registered, and the matter may be referred to the police for investigation and possible prosecution,” Tjivikua warned.
The crackdown does not amount to a blanket ban on vehicles imported from Hong Kong, as the RA says it continues to accept and process applications that meet the required standards.
However, Tjivikua said all applications must undergo verification with the relevant Hong Kong authorities before registration can be approved.
Tjivikua said the verification process is mandatory and necessary to protect the integrity of Namibia’s vehicle registration system and ensure compliance with the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations of 2001.
Applicants have been urged to ensure that all documents submitted are genuine, accurate and capable of being verified before applying for registration.
The authority warns that applications containing documents that fail verification will be rejected, regardless of the circumstances presented by applicants.
It says ensuring that paperwork is in order before submitting an application would help applicants avoid delays, rejection and potential legal consequences.
“The RA remains committed to facilitating the legitimate registration of Hong Kong vehicles while upholding the law and protecting the public interest,” said Tjivikua.
PROTECT HONG KONG VEHICLE BUYERS
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says the RA must do more to protect Namibians from fraudulent vehicle import schemes involving vehicles from Hong Kong.
Kalangula yesterday responded to the RA’s decision to continue processing Hong Kong vehicle registration applications subject to verification of documents with the relevant authorities.
He said he supports the enforcement of road traffic regulations and the rejection of fraudulent documents, but warned that ordinary citizens should not bear the burden of sophisticated scams without adequate state protection.
“The proliferation of fraudulent or unverifiable vehicle documentation is a serious criminal concern that undermines state revenue, security and the integrity of our national vehicle registration system,” he said.
He said the ministry must establish a joint task force with customs and the police to investigate and dismantle vehicle smuggling and document forgery syndicates.
“Authorities should introduce a pre-clearance verification system to help buyers confirm the legitimacy of Hong Kong vehicle imports before making payments,” he added.
Fraudulent documentation poses serious criminal dangers, including identity fraud, revenue losses, illegal vehicle trafficking and the registration of potentially stolen vehicles, Kalangula said.
However, he wants victims to receive assistance in pursuing legal action, while legitimate importers deserve timely verification, clear procedures and protection from unnecessary administrative delays.
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