Police in the Zambezi region have raised concerns over a surge in vehicle scams, with five cases recorded in just three months.

In the most recent incident, two agricultural trucks valued at N$2.8 million were intercepted on Thursday. Zambezi Police Commander Andreas Shilelo revealed during a media briefing that the trucks, ordered from Otjiwarongo, were deceptively supposed to be delivered to the Agricultural Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) in Katima Mulilo.

However, suspicions were raised when the buyer requested delivery to an alternate location.

"All the paperwork appeared legitimate, as if the tractors had genuinely been ordered," said Commissioner Shilelo. "But upon arrival at AMTA in Katima Mulilo, the delivery team found two men pretending to be AMTA employees, ready to receive the trucks. AMTA confirmed they hadn’t ordered the tractors."

Commissioner Shilelo urged vehicle dealers to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of buyers before proceeding with deliveries.

He highlighted another recent case where two brand-new Isuzu double cabs, meant for NamPower, were delivered to scammers and remain unrecovered.

"We don’t know how these individuals obtain official documents from companies or parastatals like NamPower. The documents were identical to those NamPower uses when purchasing vehicles, making it easy for managers to release the vehicles. We urge people to double-check all details to avoid falling victim to these scams," Shilelo warned.

Pius Josef, a salesman from Hoffman’s Farm Implements in Otjiwarongo, expressed relief that the latest scam was foiled.

"I’m incredibly happy. It feels like a dream. I can’t express how relieved I am that the tractors weren’t stolen. I immediately contacted the police, and they acted quickly," Josef said.

The two alleged scammers fled the scene and remain at large. Police are continuing their investigation.