Otjiwarongo:A 30-year-old businessman, Nghishidivali Shipaxu Mutota, has been granted bail of N$5 000 after being accused of attempting to bribe police officers who visited his shop in Otjiwarongo. Mutota appeared before Magistrate Yvonne McLeod, who informed him of his legal rights, including the option to appoint a legal representative or apply for State-funded legal aid. Mutota chose to represent himself in the proceedings.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Prosecutor Patricia Shuudikilwa did not oppose the bail request and recommended the N$5 000 amount due to the seriousness of the charge and the potential for additional charges to be filed. The State requested a postponement of the case to 03 December 2026 to allow for further investigation by the police.

The court was informed that Mutota operates a mini-market selling fresh fish and meat in the Tsaraxa-Aibes informal settlement. During a police patrol at approximately 00h20 on a Saturday, officers reportedly found 216 counterfeit cigarettes and liquor products suspected of illegal sale at his shop. The establishment was allegedly functioning as a liquor outlet without the necessary licence.

Additionally, police reported the discovery of 42 bottles of Indica liquor without an import permit and other alcohol products lacking the required documentation, including three 200-millilitre bottles of Zorba, and two 200-millilitre bottles each of Richelieu, Clubman, and Old Brown, along with the Indica bottles. Mutota is accused of offering the officers N$1 270 to dismiss the matter. Investigations by the police continue.