Dalene Kooper

Four Metro Mariental employees were granted bail of N$3 000 on Friday at the Mariental Magistrate’s Court, after they were arrested last week for allegedly stealing Metro’s stock valued at over N$24 000.

The released accused were identified as Richard Ralph Tjombe, Zembrahno Bikeur, Jessica Ludewyk and Brown-lee Coetzee. The accused are charged with fraud. Their case was postponed to 22 June 2026 for further investigations.

The accused persons allegedly signed several invoices on different occasions between January and March this year. The invoices purchased food items worth N$24 844.86. The items were not delivered to the address signed on the invoices.

According to the police crime report, the food items included different packets of chicken, boxes of Omaere and Oshikandela, custard, polony and Vienna packs and boxes of cheese. These food items were never paid for.

Metro Mariental Cash and Carry allegedly submitted footage of the accused one, Tjombe, who is a floor supervisor, allegedly carrying out the said activities on different dates to the police.

The Namibian Police called Tjombe in for interrogation on Wednesday. He later implicated three of his other colleagues in the matter, leading up to their arrest on Thursday.

Accused person two, Bikeur, in his defence, said that Tjombe acted alone, and that others merely carried out their duties.

The acting Nampol crime investigations coordinator for Hardap region, Charles Goagoseb, confirmed the arrests, stating that there was a case of Metro employees registered.

“The police arrested some Metro employees. Metro has not recovered any of the items or money yet, and investigations are still ongoing,” Goagoseb said.

Metro Executive Risk Manager Raymond van Rooyen said that it is still early to say anything on the incident, adding “No comment”.

The accused are currently suspended from their work at Metro until further notice, pending the outcome of the investigations. -dalenemediamarketing@gmail.com