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

According to Namibia Press Agency, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Otjozondjupa Region reported that the suspect runs a mini market selling fresh fish and meat. During a routine patrol at around 00h20 on Saturday, police officers allegedly discovered 216 counterfeit cigarettes and illicit liquor at the shop.

The shop was reportedly operating as a liquor outlet without a valid liquor license. The suspect was also allegedly in possession of 42 bottles of Indica liquor without an import permit and other liquor products 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 offered the officers N$1,270 to dismiss the case. The confiscated stock is linked to suspected violations of the Customs and Excise Act.

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