THE police in the Omusati Region have arrested a shebeen owner from Oneeya village in connection with the death of Benhard Kalimbo (33) from Epukunoyana village.

Kalimbo died in the Oshakati State Hospital on February 7 after he was severely beaten with an object the previous day.

Warrant Officer Hesekiel Hamalwa said they had arrested a businessman who would appear in the Outapi Magistrate's Court today.

The councillor of the Anamulenge Constituency, Fidelis Sheyapo, told The Namibian that the accused is a well-known businessman in Ombalantu and also a member of the Swapo executive committee in the Anamulenge district.

Witnesses told The Namibian that there was an altercation between Kalimbo and the accused in the latter's shebeen at the Okeeke complex near Ogongo on Wednesday evening.

A seriously injured Kalimbo was found in the nearby bush the next day. He was admitted to the Oshikuku hospital and was transferred to Oshakati State Hospital, where he died later that day.