The Zambia — Namibia Express busses were delayed late last week as members of the Namibian Police Force, the Special Field force and the Special Reserve raided the bus stop to search passengers, which were mainly students on their way back to Zambia for the festive season. According to Hophni Hamufungu,Deputy Commissioner and head of the public relations division at the Namibian Police,it is the normal protocol for the police to search long-distance buses during the long holidays.

"This is to prevent stolen goods to cross the border. We do that to all busses going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and especially Angola," Hamufungu said.

He added that:"We temporarily confiscated laptops because the people did not have ownership papers,but the owners can col lect their laptops at the station as soon as they have the required papers.The students that did not have these proof of ownership papers can come and collect their laptops next year."

When the Economist arrived at the scene, most of the police officers had already left but the passengers still seemed to be confused as they had to load their belongings back on to the bus.Some did not know in which bus to go while others were seen crossing the road with their luggage.Others complained because they did not know what was going on when the police arrived.The Manager of the Zambia-Namibia Express could not be reached for comment.