Namibia Acts Against Intercape Over Alleged Cabotage Violations

Namibia Acts Against Intercape Over Alleged Cabotage Violations. The Ministry of Works and Transport has taken enforcement action against long-distance bus operator Intercape following allegations of illegal cabotage during preparations for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Namibia.

In a statement issued today, Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said the company operated South African-registered buses for domestic transport within Namibia without the required approval. The ministry said this contravened national transport regulations governing cabotage, which restrict the use of foreign-registered vehicles for local transport services.

According to the statement, Intercape was requested to provide justification for deploying foreign buses despite the availability of local transport capacity. The ministry said these requests were ignored, prompting regulatory action. Nekundi stated that the conduct undermined Namibia’s transport laws and national sovereignty.

As part of the directive, Intercape will be fined N$4,000 per vehicle used in contravention of the regulations. The company has also been ordered to immediately withdraw the affected buses from domestic operations within Namibia. The directive takes effect from 13 January 2026.

The ministry further warned that failure to comply with the directive may result in stronger enforcement measures, including the seizure and impoundment of vehicles found operating illegally. Nekundi said the ministry would not hesitate to act against any operator that disregards Namibian law.

The alleged violations occurred during logistical arrangements linked to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which is being hosted in Namibia. The ministry did not provide details on the number of vehicles involved.

The Ministry of Works and Transport said it remains committed to protecting local transport operators and ensuring that all service providers comply with applicable regulations. It reiterated that foreign operators are required to obtain proper authorisation before conducting domestic transport services.