Grootfontein: The Grootfontein Municipality has announced its decision to impound stray livestock in the town in an effort to curb the spread of cholera. Mayor Morits Gaingob revealed this plan during an interview, highlighting the town's ongoing battle with cholera, characterized by more than 40 laboratory-confirmed cases, 108 suspected cases, and two patients currently admitted at Grootfontein State Hospital.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the municipality plans to enforce existing by-laws that prohibit livestock from roaming the town by impounding such animals and imposing fines on their owners. Mayor Gaingob emphasized the need for compliance, stating that a mass meeting will be held with livestock owners to explain the consequences of non-compliance. This meeting will serve as a platform to issue final eviction notices, outlining the necessary steps and timelines for removing livestock from municipal land.

Acting Municipal Chief Executive Officer Indileni Lungameni highlighted that approximately 500 animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and donkeys, are registered with the council. These animals were brought into Grootfontein in 2019 and 2020 during a period of drought. However, with improved grazing conditions due to recent rainfall, the municipality is reinforcing the need for these animals to be relocated, as they disrupt traffic and damage property.

Lungameni further clarified that the municipality is prepared to enforce punitive measures against non-compliant livestock owners, which may include auctioning impounded livestock, a fine of approximately N.dollars 2 000, imprisonment for about six months, or both. These measures are backed by a law that came into effect on 31 December 2025.