THE Police in Omusati region have arrested eighteen more people in connection with the stealing of building materials meant for the construction of the Okalongo Health Centre at Onandjaba.

It brought the total number of people arrested since July 13 to 32. According to the Okalongo Police Commander Warrant Officer Ananias Nahango, they arrested Peter Katali(50), a teacher at Oshaluwata Combined School in Okalongo, security officer at Okalongo Secondary School Martin Shapumba (41), principal of Oshaluwata Combined School Errki Shikongo (48), Lea Ndalulilwa (24) from Onandjaba, Errki Ndemushiika (23) and Foibe Nakapala (25) from Ondudu.

They all appeared in the Outapi Magistrate Court on July 19 and their case was postponed to September 23 for police investigation. They were all given bail of N$5 000 each. On July 21 the Police arrested Okalongo Clinic matron Laina Heita (54) together with Rauna Josef (30), Nikodemus Iiyambo (25), Sem Hihalwa (27), Josua Hekandjo, Gerson Immanuel (27) and Immanuel Shafashike (26).

A day later Mathias Kalo (54) was also arrested. On Sunday the Police arrested Paulus Nakweenda (31) from Onaidimba village in Okalongo district. He appeared in the Outapi Magistrate Court yesterday and the case was postponed to September 23 for further Police investigation. He too was granted bail of N$5 000.

The Police discovered a large quantity of tiles and other items buried near the construction site.