Windhoek: The lawyer representing the government in the high-profile red line matter, Herman Steyn, has accused Affirmative Repositioning movement leader, Job Amupanda, of distorting the facts surrounding an incident at the Oshivelo checkpoint. Amupanda, who has challenged the constitutionality of the veterinary cordon fence (red line) erected in 1896, alleges that veterinary officials destroyed meat worth N.dollars 1,000, which he had purchased for personal consumption. However, Steyn argued during cross-examination on Thursday that the destroyed meat was only worth N.dollars 60.

According to Namibia Press Agency, it is prohibited to transport meat, milk, livestock, or any animal products across the veterinary cordon fence. The hearing began on Tuesday, with Amupanda sharing his witness statement about the events preceding his court challenge. He was traveling from his village of Omaala to Windhoek when officials at the Oshivelo checkpoint searched his vehicle, found the meat, and destroyed it. He argued that the meat was bought at an open market in Omuthiya and was for personal consumption, and said officials at the Oshivelo checkpoint searched his vehicle without permission.

'I am going to submit that you are a person capable of spinning the truth into an untruth or half-truth by twisting the facts to suit your case. All your evidence is contaminated by suspicion and comes from a person capable of spinning the truth and facts to suit your case,' Steyn argued. According to Steyn, Amupanda, on the day in question, only had three pieces of meat, each worth N.dollars 20. 'I have my doubts that officials really said this. It is incorrect as I took N.dollars 1,000 out of my pocket to buy the meat,' Amupanda replied.

Steyn also argued that meat prices in Windhoek are generally cheaper. The cross-examination continues before Judge Shafimana Ueitele. Steyn indicated that he would be presenting evidence by Albertina Shilongo, the chief veterinarian in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, as well as the minister, Calle Schlettwein. Advocate Mbushandje Ntinda is representing Amupanda.