By Francoise Steynberg

(Edited by A. Truter)

WINDHOEK

Night-time drone sightings have been increasing for months in several regions of Namibia. Farmers report devices moving over grazing areas and across farm boundaries. The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) and the Joint Crime Prevention Forum (JCPF) are in talks with the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Namibian Police (Nampol) and other agencies.

Although the NCAA prohibits flying drones at night, numerous incidents have been reported. In the ||Karas region, several drones are said to be flying in a clear pattern between the farms Aruab and Auberus. Further reports come from Grünau and the Hardap area. Farmer Elize Cilliers from Maltahöhe says the drones are not currently above her land but still active in the vicinity. She fears for her Appaloosa breeding horses and criticises that police are unsure which offence her complaint should fall under.

In a recent circular, the NAU notes that drones are regulated in Namibia, yet the sector is growing fast and still contains many grey areas. Drones can benefit agriculture by checking fences and water points, monitoring livestock and fields or supporting anti-poaching. They are also used for prospecting in the mining sector, and Nampol itself relies on drones for search and surveillance. At the same time, the risk is increasing that they may be used for illegal activities such as poaching or livestock theft.

NCAA and Nampol are aware of the situation, the NAU says. Suspicious sightings that cannot be explained immediately should be reported without delay. If specific flight patterns repeat, Nampol should be notified in advance. A Nampol contact is available around the clock at +264 81 222 2883. The NCAA also requests that sightings be emailed to incidents@ncaa.na so it can determine whether any registered operation was underway. Accurate location details are important. Farmers are urged to record coordinates and direction of sight. This can easily be done using Google Maps or Apple Maps by marking the position and selecting “share location”.

For drone operations in Namibia, compliance with national regulations is essential. All drones must be registered with the NCAA, and depending on their size, operators may also require a licence. Each flight has to be logged, ensuring accountability and traceability. Farmers can apply for annual approval to operate drones within the boundaries of their own land. Flights are limited to a maximum altitude of 150 feet above ground level, and visitors bringing drones into the country must register them prior to arrival. It is also important to note that flying in national parks and other protected areas is strictly prohibited.