Windhoek City Police: Dorado Four-Way Vendors' Goods Confiscated

• Windhoek City Police confiscated goods from vendors at the Dorado Four-Way Stop on July 29, 2026.
• The affected vendors had valid trading permits but were not notified before their removal.
• Temporary trading permits have been issued to the vendors, allowing them to operate at a different location.
• The incident highlights the complexities of informal trading regulations in Namibia and the need for clarity on designated trading sites.

The City has concluded the issuance of temporary trading permits to the affected vendors as of August 14, 2026, allowing them to operate at Erf R/13 along Dr Kuaima Riruako Street.

The recent confiscation of vendors' goods by Windhoek City Police at the Dorado Four-Way Stop has left many informal traders in a precarious financial situation. The affected vendors, who had valid trading permits, claim that they were not notified before their removal from the site. This incident highlights the complexities of informal trading regulations in Namibia and the need for clarity on designated trading sites. According to Sandrina Kavuyu, one of the vendors, the City Police did not listen to their concerns or examine their permits before taking their goods. The confiscation has resulted in significant financial losses for the vendors, who are now struggling to provide for their families.

The City of Windhoek's decision to remove the vendors from the Dorado Four-Way Stop was allegedly due to concerns about public health and environmental management. However, the affected vendors argue that they had been operating lawfully at the site for over 10 years and had paid their monthly fees. The issuance of temporary trading permits to the vendors as of August 14, 2026, has allowed them to operate at a different location. This development raises questions about the City's commitment to creating opportunities for informal traders while balancing public health considerations. Trading permits are issued subject to compliance with the Informal Trading Regulations and the City's informal trading procedures.

The confiscation of vendors' goods by Windhoek City Police has significant implications for informal traders in Namibia. The incident highlights the importance of compliance with informal trading regulations and the need for businesses to be aware of designated trading sites. Lawyers advising clients on informal trading in Namibia should take note of this development, as it underscores the complexities of navigating informal trading laws. The City's commitment to creating opportunities for informal traders must be balanced with public health considerations, which can sometimes lead to conflicts between vendors and local authorities.

Lawyers advising clients on informal trading in Namibia should note the recent confiscation of vendors' goods by Windhoek City Police, highlighting the importance of compliance with Informal Trading Regulations and the need for businesses to be aware of designated trading sites.

Source: Original reporting via New Era