Congolese arrested for theft of suspected stolen state hospital medicines

Renthia Kaimbi A 40-year-old Congolese national was arrested in connection with the theft of suspected stolen medicines from the Otjiwarongo State Hospital, which were allegedly found on the shelves of a tuckshop in Orwetoveni on Friday. Otjozondjupa regional director of health, Gebhardo Timotheus, told the Windhoek Observer that he was informed about the incident last week but is yet to confirm the details when he is back in office on Monday. Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, the Otjozondjupa Police Regional Spokesperson, stated that the arrest stemmed from a reported physical confrontation between the suspect and a former health assistant whose contract at Otjiwarongo State Hospital had ended, though the individual continued volunteering at the facility. Mbeha indicated that the disagreement reportedly centred on how profits were being divided from the sale of medicines, baby formula, and diapers believed to have been smuggled out of the hospital. The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday as authorities work to establish the full scope of the incident, with concerns mounting over how prescription drugs intended for public patients ended up in the informal market space. Photos: Contributed ]]>