TWO Police constables stationed at Oranjemund found themselves on the wrong side of the law after they were arrested last week for allegedly stealing alcohol and cash from a local bar.

Kevin Teddy Katzao and Dominikus Swartbooi, both aged 24, allegedly sneaked into Omuti Wakula Bar when the bartender left the bar unattended and stole N$500 in cash, two bottles of beer, a bottle of Castelo and White Horse Whisky valued at N$811.

The two officers, who had joined the police service a year ago, allegedly committed the theft while off duty.

Following a brief appearance in the Oranjemund Magistrate's Court on charges of theft on Wednesday, Katzao and Swartbooi were released bail of N$500 each.

They will return to court today after their case was postponed for further police investigation.

Police Commissioner Armas Shivute yesterday confirmed the arrests, and warned the men in uniform to refrain from any criminal activities.

"We have chosen a career to defend the lives and property of the people. This kind of irresponsible behaviour on the part of police officers reflects a bad image of the police force. Therefore any police officer involved in criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law," said Shivute.

According to Shivute, Katzao and Swartbooi will be hauled before a disciplinary committee this week.

Recently three police officers in the Karas Region landed behind bars on charges of corruption and petrol theft. Two Karasburg traffic officers, Warrant Officer Alfeus Josef Ashipala and Sergeant Christie Njede, were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly issuing driver's licences to people without them taking a practical driving test.

Another officer, Gert Strauss, was arrested for stealing 25 litres of petrol.

It is alleged that Strauss had used a police petrol card to fill up his private car.