Residents of Ndop in the North West Region have raised concerns over what they describe as widespread extortion and illegal charges imposed during the process of obtaining the new national identity card at the local police station.
An ID card applicant who contacted MMI said applicants are allegedly being forced to pay amounts far above the official fee of 10,000 francs CFA required for the new identity card.
“The process of obtaining the new identity card in Ndop is marred with a lot of extortion by the officer in charge,” the source alleged.
“Officially the new identity card costs 10,000 francs, but in Ndop the cost is about 20,000 francs because of money collected through dubious methods by the officer in charge.”
The source further claimed that the online pre-enrolment process, which can normally be done independently by applicants, is allegedly monopolized by the officer responsible for biometric registration at the station.
“First, the online registration is done exclusively by the officer in charge of doing the biometrics and you can imagine how much you pay for the online process,” the source stated.
“This is a process that anyone can do, but no one dares to do it elsewhere. Those who tried have a story to tell.”
The allegations also extend to additional charges reportedly imposed despite the availability of a solar-powered backup system at the identification unit.
“Secondly, the identification unit has a solar system so that it can function even when electricity is not available. Despite this solar system being in place, users are asked to pay money in the name of ‘there is no electricity,’” the source added.
Beyond identity card applications, the whistleblower alleged that several routine administrative services at the Ndop Police Station are also subject to unofficial fees.
“In Ndop police station all services are paid,” the source claimed.
“Renewal of identity card receipt: 1,000 francs. Certification of identity card: 1,000. Collection of your identity card: 1,000 francs.”
Questioning the role of law enforcement officers at the station, the source said residents are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as exploitation.
“The question that I am asking myself is if the police in Ndop is really at the service of each and everyone or at the service of the officers working there,” the source said. “The Police Boss should really look into this situation and save the denizens of Ndop from these wolves in uniform working in the Ndop police station.”
The source warned that failure by the police hierarchy to address the alleged abuses could encourage further exploitation of citizens seeking essential civil documentation.
“If this illegal act is not sanctioned by the police hierarchy, we should not be surprised if tomorrow the denizens of Ndop are asked to pay for paper, ink and Internet connection in order to get the new identity card,” the source added.
