Namibia arrests Chinese woman over $530 attempted bribe

A Chinese national who attempted bribing a Namibian government official has been arrested, the state anti-corruption body said on Wednesday.

The arrest of the 31-year-old Chinese woman by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the capital Windhoek was effected on Tuesday.

The privately-run Namibian news portal cited ACC spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata as saying the suspect, identified as Ping Zou, allegedly attempted to offer an official of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, a bribe in the form of items worth N$7 900 (about $530) to consider renewing her work permit.

Zou appeared in a Magistrate Court on Wednesday and her case was postponed to Tuesday next week for an official bail hearing. She is to remain in custody till next hearing.

According to the ACC Act, a person convicted of bribery can be punished with a fine of up to N$500 000 or be imprisoned for a period of up to 25 years, or both.