Otjiwarongo:A 30-year-old businessman from the Tsaraxa-Aibes informal settlement in Otjiwarongo was arrested early Saturday morning for allegedly attempting to bribe police officers at his shop.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha of the Namibian Police Force in the Otjozondjupa Region reported that the suspect operates a mini market selling fresh fish and meat. During a routine patrol, police officers approached the shop at approximately 0020 on Saturday, where they allegedly discovered 216 counterfeit cigarettes and illicit liquor in the suspect's possession.

The shop was found to be operating as a liquor outlet without a valid license. Additionally, the suspect was allegedly dealing in or possessing 42 bottles of Indica liquor without an import permit, along with other liquor products reportedly being sold without the necessary documentation. These included three 200ml bottles of Zorba, two 200ml bottles of Richelieu, two 200ml bottles of Clubman, two 200ml bottles of Old Brown, and 42 90ml bottles of Indica.

Mbeha stated that the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with N$1,270 to overlook these infractions. The stock found in the shop was confiscated due to suspected violations of the Customs and Excise Act.

The suspect faces charges of operating a liquor outlet without a valid license, offering a bribe to law enforcement officers, tobacco control violations, and an offence under the Customs and Excise Act. He is expected to appear in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate's Court this week as investigations continue.