Police in the Kunene region are investigating livestock theft that dates back to two years between Kunene and Omusati regions involving more than 20 cattle.

The investigations follow a police tip-off, of a certain farmer in the Omusati region who is alleged to have been buying stolen cattle between 2019 and 2021. The cattle were stolen from farmers in the Kunene region.

According to Kunene Police Regional Commander Commissioner James Nderura on Thursday three cattle have thus far been identified by the owners who were notified by the police while 20 more are yet to be identified.

‘Some of these cattle were recovered after being identified by owners but, however, some of them might not be able to be identified as they were stolen while still heifers and most of them were branded by the new owner under the Omusati brand,’ added Nderura.

He said the alleged stolen cattle were recovered in the Ombonde and Onamatanga areas of the Omusati region, and are under police supervision at Opuwo until the owners come and identify them.

Nderura further warned people to desist from buying stolen livestock and rather opt to first confirm ownership as failing to do so will force the police to charge perpetrators.

The police regional commander further said that no arrests were made yet as the investigations are ongoing.

Source: Namibia Press Agency