OSHAKATI, Namibia — A 35-year-old man was arrested by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Oshikoto Region after he allegedly attempted to bribe a police officer following a traffic accident. The incident, involving a failed exchange of N.dollars 500, occurred after the man was involved in a collision on Monday evening.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the region's Crime Investigations Coordinator, the accident took place around 18:00 at Onamulunga village in the Oniipa Constituency. The collision involved a silver Nissan and an unlicensed blue Ford pick-up. Following the accident, both drivers were instructed to report to the Onethindi Police Station the next day to complete the accident report and address potential traffic fines.

The following morning, the driver of the Ford pick-up began sending text messages to one of the investigating officers, offering a bribe to avoid a traffic fine and potential charges. "A police operation was subsequently arranged to catch the suspect in the act of bribing the officer," said Ekandjo. The sting operation successfully led to the arrest of the suspect as he attempted to hand over the bribe money.

The man now faces charges of bribery, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and operating a vehicle without a valid driving license. He is scheduled to appear in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court.