Four men suspected of stealing antiretroviral drugs have made their first appearance in the Rundu Magistrate's Court.

The men were arrested after being in possession of the drugs in the Kehemu Informal Settlement, where they attempted to sell them to an undercover police officer.

It is alleged that one of the suspects worked as a driver for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, while three others were responsible for the storage and selling of the lifesaving drugs.

Kalistus Muhembo Kambeu, 32, Johannes Rumeta, 33, Contry Tjipa Marabe Makale, 36, and Jafet Shetunyenga Ekandjo, 40, face a count of theft each for the medicines suspected to have been stolen from the Rundu State Hospital.

At least six boxes containing 160 containers, containing 30 tablets each, were recovered from the suspects.

The state objected to bail due to the seriousness of the matter and argued that it would not be in the public interest or for the administration of justice.

They were remanded in police custody and their case was postponed to the first of November.

Meanwhile, the Kavango East police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a truck carrying sand rolled back, crushing a 14-year-old boy.

It is alleged that the deceased, identified as Faustinus Shifura Mavara, and others fearfully jumped from the truck when it started to roll backwards.

The incident took place at Utokota village, about 30 kilometres east of Rundu.

Kavango East Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator Bonifasius Kanyetu says preliminary investigations found that the truck was not roadworthy and its driver was not licensed.