Truck driver arrested over theft of 964 bags of maize meal

A truck driver (37) has been arrested for allegedly stealing maize meal from a consignment intended for a retailer at Rundu.

Acting Kavango East police regional commander deputy commissioner Eino Nambahu this week said the suspect was due to appear in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, he said.

Nambahu said the truck driver allegedly diverted bags of maize meal from the intended delivery route before abandoning the truck and claiming he was robbed.

The alleged theft took place last Thursday.

Police officers have recovered 508 out of the 964 stolen bags, Nambahu said.

He said 456 bags of maize meal, along with 44 bags of chicken feed are still unaccounted for.

“Some of the bags were sold to local business people and some ended up inland of the Kavango East and West regions,” he said.

The estimated value of the stolen goods is N$161 140, Nambahu said.

He said the police have been informed that some bags were hidden.

According to Nambahu, three accomplices remain at large, but the police are confident they will be arrested soon.

He said the police in the region are noting a concerning trend of increased housebreaking and theft cases, often involving “in-house deals”, in which individuals collaborate with service providers to claim insurance or replacements fraudulently.