Namibia: Credit Card Theft Incident Involving a Japanese National

On March 26, 2025, around noon, a Japanese traveler fell victim to a credit card theft while using an ATM in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region. This type of crime has been frequent in Namibia, so both residents and travelers are urged to avoid engaging with strangers who approach them.

1. Incident Overview:

• On March 26, 2025, around noon, a Japanese traveler was robbed of their credit card in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region. The victim, who had entered Namibia by bus from Botswana, was attempting to withdraw Namibian dollars from an ATM. While struggling with the ATM operation, a man who appeared friendly approached and spoke to the victim. Shortly after, the victim noticed that their credit card had not been dispensed by the ATM. Believing it had been swallowed by the machine, the victim contacted the bank, which confirmed that the card was not inside the ATM. It was then realized that the card had been stolen. Upon checking the card’s transaction history, the victim discovered that approximately 150,000 yen was withdrawn, and around 1,000,000 yen was spent via credit card transactions. It is believed that there were multiple perpetrators, and the PIN for the card had likely been stolen.

2. In Case of Theft or Similar Incidents:

• If you become a victim of theft, ensure your safety first and promptly report the incident to the police. Please request a “Police Report” or other evidence of the theft at the nearest police station.

3. Contact Information for Tourist Protection Unit:

• If you are a traveler who has been victimized, regardless of the location, you can contact the following numbers for quicker assistance. When calling, please provide your nationality, name, location and time of the incident, and details of the theft:

  • Officer 1 (Mobile): +264 81 259 6425 / +264 81 615 4401

  • Officer 2 (Mobile): +264 81 474 7414

  • Officer 3 (Mobile): +264 81 252 7017

  • Officer 4 (Mobile): +264 81 147 8663

4. Police Station Contact Numbers by Region:

• Erongo Region: 064-219025

• Oshikoto Region: 067-2235033

• Oshana Region: 065-2236006

• Otjozondjupa Region: 067-300600

• Ohangwena Region: 065-264208

• Omaheke Region: 062-566100

• Omusati Region: 065-251864

• Karas Region: 063-221800

• Kunene Region: 065-273148

• Khomas Region: 061-2094439

• Zambezi Region: 066-251233

• Hardap Region: 063-345036

• Kavango East Region: 066-266300

• Kavango West Region: 066-264877