Gobabis, Omaheke Region – In a strong show of opposition, several farmers in the Omaheke Region, along with the Community Against Stock Theft Organisation, took to the streets of Gobabis on Thursday. They were protesting the potential bail for individuals accused of being part of an alleged stock theft syndicate.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), a petition was delivered to the public prosecutor’s office, urging against the bail for the accused based on sections 436 and 437 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1978. The accused, Silver Samuel Nakanyala, Paulus Gun-Gun Tjiposa, and Silvernus Karukukutu Katjiutua, appeared in court on Thursday. They were arrested last week following allegations of possessing seven stolen cattle from Otjombinde and Epukiro.
Issy Nanda Murangi, Chairperson of the Community Against Stock Theft Organisation, while reading the petition, emphasized that stock theft has become a major issue, particularly targeting communal farmers in Omaheke. He highlighted the frequency and severity of these thefts, noting how cattle are often stolen and slaughtered, then transported to urban areas under suspicious circumstances.
The farmers’ petition pointed out that the accused are known repeat offenders who have been granted bail multiple times, only to allegedly continue committing similar crimes. The farmers accused the suspects of being part of a syndicate that has been terrorizing local farmers with stock theft activities.
The petition underscored the significant impact of stock theft on the livelihood of farmers in Omaheke, especially communal farmers, and the broader Namibian economy. The farmers called for more stringent measures against the accused to prevent further crimes.
State prosecutor Gift Mulenamaswe, upon receiving the petition, acknowledged the importance of hearing directly from those affected. He assured the farmers that the public prosecutor’s office would review the petition and provide feedback. Mulenamaswe stated that while legal procedures must be followed, the concerns raised by the public and those directly impacted by such crimes would be taken into consideration in their decision-making process.