Rundu:Kavango East The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango East Region has successfully arrested two suspects and recovered five oxen, valued at approximately N$80,000, allegedly stolen from Angola and smuggled into Namibia. The oxen were reportedly smuggled through Sikondo village in the Kavango West Region after crossing the Kavango River.

According to NAMPA, NamPol Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho stated that the police were informed about the stolen livestock at around 06h00 on Tuesday, which led to an operation to track down the suspects. The suspects were reportedly driving the oxen through the bushes south of Rundu when they were traced to the area.

The suspects allegedly fell asleep in the bushes and were apprehended by community members who then alerted the police. Deputy Commissioner Simaho noted that one of the suspects is a habitual offender who had been on the run after escaping police custody. The arrest of the suspects and recovery of the oxen occurred after approximately three hours of tracking, with the assistance of community members.

Alfons Sikongo, the owner of the recovered livestock, expressed his satisfaction with the police's swift response and the recovery of his animals. Sikongo received a call from his sister in Angola on Tuesday morning, informing him of the theft. He immediately drove towards the Mupini village area, a route used in a previous livestock theft incident, but did not find any traces initially. Later, he was informed of the successful recovery of his oxen and the arrest of the suspects.

Sikongo expressed gratitude towards the community members and the police for their efforts and urged continued collaboration between the community and law enforcement to combat crime and protect livestock.