Outjo: The four men accused in connection with a large-scale cattle theft and slaughter case made their second appearance before magistrate Dominic Engelbrecht in the Outjo Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the accused - Vevangapi Kambapa, 30; Matias Kataeko, 34; Kirian Masere Tjikaku, 47, and 41-year-old Titus Negongo remain in police custody as investigations into the matter continue. All four accused are currently unrepresented and have been informed of their right to apply for formal bail.

During court proceedings, the fourth accused Negongo, claimed confusion over his involvement in the case. 'I don't know why I was arrested. I would like to go back to driving my taxi, which is my only source of income,' he told the court on Thursday.

The four accused are suspected of stealing and slaughtering more than 30 head of cattle in the veld at farm Dagbreek in the Outjo district. Local farmers in the Outjo district traced and tracked their missing cattle and discovered over 31 stolen cattle slaughtered on 08 April 2025. The suspects who were busy on the scene fled once they heard the farmers approaching.

They were arrested the following day between Otjiwarongo and Outjo travelling in a taxi, after the police traced their tracks from farm Dagbreek. The taxi was impounded and the four suspects were charged with stock theft.

Engelbrecht stated that the accused remain in custody at the Outjo Police Station until 25 August 2025, when they can submit formal bail applications. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 15 September 2025.

Police investigations into the matter continue.