Congolese Man Arrested for Selling Namibian Government Medicines and Baby Formula
By TUW
Authorities in Otjiwarongo have arrested a 40-year-old Congolese man following an investigation into the alleged illegal trade of medicines and other health-related products, some of which are suspected to have been taken from a state health facility.
The arrest, carried out on Friday, 19 June 2026, relates to case CR 98/06/2026. The suspect is facing possible charges under the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act 13 of 2003 (Sections 29 and 31) as well as the Pharmacy Act 9 of 2004 (Sections 43 and 44), according to police.
Otjozondjupa Regional Police spokesperson Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha said the matter first came to light after a dispute between the suspect and a former health assistant linked to Otjiwarongo State Hospital. The former employee’s contract had reportedly ended, although he continued to assist the facility in a voluntary capacity.
“It is alleged that the disagreement stemmed from the sharing of proceeds generated from the sale of medicines, baby formula, and diapers suspected to have been removed from Otjiwarongo State Hospital,” Mbeha said.
Following initial inquiries, police traced the suspect to a tuckshop in the Orwetoveni residential area of Otjiwarongo, where officers allegedly discovered various pharmaceutical products and tins of baby formula displayed for sale.
According to Mbeha, the suspect was unable to account for how he obtained the items and did not produce any licence permitting the storage or sale of medicines and related health products.
Health authorities from the Ministry of Health and Social Services were subsequently called to the scene to assess the situation. After inspection, officials declared the premises unsuitable for the handling or dispensing of pharmaceutical goods.
Investigators are also working to determine whether any stock shortages occurred at Otjiwarongo State Hospital as a result of the alleged removals. The total value of the recovered items has not yet been confirmed, and inquiries remain ongoing.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 June 2026.
Source: Otji FM
