Tourist guide refused search in Etosha, says ministry
Guide says her clients were "treated as criminals”
The ministry reminded its staff to remain respectful and lawful in their interactions.
The tourism ministry has responded to a formal complaint of harassment and intimidation lodged by a tour operator, stating that the individual in question refused to allow a routine search at Etosha National Park’s Galton Gate.
Tourism operator Yvonne von Holtz last week submitted a formal complaint to the ministry regarding what she described as “an ordeal of psychological distress, humiliation and intimidation” on 16 April, allegedly at the hands of police and ministry officials.
In her complaint, Von Holtz claimed the incident involved the harassment and unlawful searching of her two elderly German clients, aged 80 and 73, who she said were “treated as criminals” and denied basic dignity.
However, the ministry issued a statement saying that on 16 April at around 14:20, its staff, along with a police officer, engaged with Von Holtz’s vehicle at Galton Gate. According to officials, Von Holtz—who was driving a rental vehicle—refused to allow the vehicle or its luggage to be searched upon exiting the park.
The ministry noted that Von Holtz claimed the officials failed to introduce themselves or explain the purpose of the search. However, the ministry said CCTV footage at the gate contradicts this version of events, showing that staff did in fact introduce themselves and acted professionally.
“The staff acted in accordance with gate management procedures and the Park Rules and Regulations for Etosha National Park. Unfortunately, Von Holtz was not receptive to their approach and used vulgar language. She also threatened to contact senior ministry officials to avoid the search,” the statement read.
Following a phone conversation with the Director of Parks and Wildlife Management, Colgar Sikopo, Von Holtz ultimately agreed to the search. Officials reportedly found and confiscated four baobab fruits from her clients—items classified as protected forest products under Section 22(5) of the Forest Act, 2001.
Regulation 12(1) of the Act prohibits the unauthorised harvesting, transport, sale, marketing, transit, export, or import of forest produce without a valid permit.
After the search, which concluded around 18:00, Von Holtz and her group were permitted to exit the park.
“The team at the gate acted within their prescribed powers and handled the situation professionally, despite Von Holtz’s behaviour,” the ministry stated.
The ministry reminded its staff to remain respectful and lawful in their interactions, while urging all visitors to comply with park regulations and allow officials to perform their duties without interference.
“Tourism is a vital sector for Namibia’s economy, providing jobs and generating revenue. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the industry and our country’s image,” the ministry said.
Von Holtz, however, maintains that the incident was mishandled. She said that, due to a cash-only fuel policy, she requested permission to temporarily exit the park. Permission was granted at the Ombika Gate, and at around 14:00 she stopped at Galton Gate so her elderly clients could use the restrooms.
She alleges that they were then ordered to present passports and permits, and instructed to unload the vehicle. According to her, a police officer searched through their personal belongings without gloves, consent, or proper identification. She said the situation escalated into a shouting match, prompting the involvement of senior ministry officials.
Von Holtz claimed they were detained for several hours and had to repeatedly unpack and repack the vehicle—once in the rain. During the search, baobab pods were discovered, which she says were purchased from street vendors in Tsumkwe.
“As we had no receipt, the items were declared illegal and confiscated,” she said.
The ministry confirmed that while a fine could have been issued, the group was let off with a warning.
Tourism operator Yvonne von Holtz last week submitted a formal complaint to the ministry regarding what she described as “an ordeal of psychological distress, humiliation and intimidation” on 16 April, allegedly at the hands of police and ministry officials.
In her complaint, Von Holtz claimed the incident involved the harassment and unlawful searching of her two elderly German clients, aged 80 and 73, who she said were “treated as criminals” and denied basic dignity.
However, the ministry issued a statement saying that on 16 April at around 14:20, its staff, along with a police officer, engaged with Von Holtz’s vehicle at Galton Gate. According to officials, Von Holtz—who was driving a rental vehicle—refused to allow the vehicle or its luggage to be searched upon exiting the park.
The ministry noted that Von Holtz claimed the officials failed to introduce themselves or explain the purpose of the search. However, the ministry said CCTV footage at the gate contradicts this version of events, showing that staff did in fact introduce themselves and acted professionally.
“The staff acted in accordance with gate management procedures and the Park Rules and Regulations for Etosha National Park. Unfortunately, Von Holtz was not receptive to their approach and used vulgar language. She also threatened to contact senior ministry officials to avoid the search,” the statement read.
Following a phone conversation with the Director of Parks and Wildlife Management, Colgar Sikopo, Von Holtz ultimately agreed to the search. Officials reportedly found and confiscated four baobab fruits from her clients—items classified as protected forest products under Section 22(5) of the Forest Act, 2001.
Regulation 12(1) of the Act prohibits the unauthorised harvesting, transport, sale, marketing, transit, export, or import of forest produce without a valid permit.
After the search, which concluded around 18:00, Von Holtz and her group were permitted to exit the park.
“The team at the gate acted within their prescribed powers and handled the situation professionally, despite Von Holtz’s behaviour,” the ministry stated.
The ministry reminded its staff to remain respectful and lawful in their interactions, while urging all visitors to comply with park regulations and allow officials to perform their duties without interference.
“Tourism is a vital sector for Namibia’s economy, providing jobs and generating revenue. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the industry and our country’s image,” the ministry said.
Von Holtz, however, maintains that the incident was mishandled. She said that, due to a cash-only fuel policy, she requested permission to temporarily exit the park. Permission was granted at the Ombika Gate, and at around 14:00 she stopped at Galton Gate so her elderly clients could use the restrooms.
She alleges that they were then ordered to present passports and permits, and instructed to unload the vehicle. According to her, a police officer searched through their personal belongings without gloves, consent, or proper identification. She said the situation escalated into a shouting match, prompting the involvement of senior ministry officials.
Von Holtz claimed they were detained for several hours and had to repeatedly unpack and repack the vehicle—once in the rain. During the search, baobab pods were discovered, which she says were purchased from street vendors in Tsumkwe.
“As we had no receipt, the items were declared illegal and confiscated,” she said.
The ministry confirmed that while a fine could have been issued, the group was let off with a warning.
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