The Khomas Regional Police have warned shebeen owners to either obey the law or have their shebeens closed and they themselves arrested.

Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Festus Shilongo further warns that his forces will not compromise the law in this regrad.

Shilongo was reacting to the talks by the Shebeen Association in Namibia that an agreement had been reached for unlicensed shebeens to continue operating, while negotiatons were ongoing.

The sportsfield at the intersection between Monte Christo and Otjomuise Road has become a gathering place for shebeen owners.

They said they were not there to challenge the authorities, but to appeal to them to be lenient, as shebeens are their only source of income which also create employment for others.

They therefore felt that the closure of their businesses was unfair.

They argued that if they were to blame for contributing to alcoholism and crime in the country, then all a liquor outlets should share this blame and NOT only those that are not licensed.

But, Commissioner Festus Shilongo is adamant that the law must be enforced and those not complying will face the music.

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Three illegal shebeen operators were arrested yesterday and according to Shilongo more arrests will be made if shebeen owners continue to contravene the law.

Approached for comment, the Chairperson of Shebeen Association in Namibia, Andreas Nuule could not confirm or deny that an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Safety and Security and the Namibian Police for unlicensed shebeens to continue operating.