THE traditional authority in the Okalongo area has condemned the large-scale theft of building materials at the building site of the new Okalongo Health Centre.

So far, 32 people, mainly from Okalongo district, have been arrested and charged with theft. All have appeared in the Outapi Magistrate's Court and the case has been postponed to September 23 for further investigation. They were granted bail of N$5 000 each.

The Ombadja Traditional Authority called upon anyone who might still be in possession of stolen materials to hand them over to the Police as soon as possible. "The people's health centre must be completed to give service to the people. We are also calling upon our people to stop buying stolen items, and to stop stealing completely," the Ombadja Traditional Authority said.