Africa-Press – Namibia. Farmers from the Liselo-Kamenga area in the Zambezi region are calling for urgent government intervention following delays in the repatriation of stolen cattle recovered in neighbouring Zambia.
According to Vincent Siliye, Chairperson of the Liselo-Kamenga Anti-Stock Theft Association, 23 cattle belonging to two Namibian farmers from the Kaliyangile area were stolen on 11 October 2025 and driven across the border into Zambia.
“On 17 October, the affected farmers, with the assistance of Zambian law enforcement officers from Kamenga, pursued the matter and reached Sinjembela. The following day, they received information about suspected stolen cattle in Mengo and managed to recover 14 of the 23 animals,” Siliye said.
He explained that of the recovered livestock, five cattle belonged to Shane Tubaleye (Case No. CR.14/10/2025) and seven to Roster Chimine (Case No. CR.148/10/2025). Unfortunately, four of the cattle became too weak to walk after being herded from Mengo to Sinjembela.
“The farmers returned to Namibia to fetch a trailer, but it broke down about five kilometres from Kamenga. Three of the cattle managed to walk to the border, but one remained unable to stand,” Siliye added.
On 21 October 2025, a total of 11 cattle reached the Namibian border, and the local police were notified to begin the repatriation process. However, delays have since occurred.
“We were informed by Acting Regional Commander D/Commissioner Liomba that the Zambian authorities must facilitate the legal repatriation. While we understand this procedure, we are deeply concerned because the Zambian side often faces logistical challenges particularly the unavailability of transport for magistrates to travel from Sesheke to Kamenga,” said Siliye.
He noted that such delays leave farmers stranded for days or even weeks, often without sufficient food or pasture for their animals.
“Farmers are currently waiting in Zambia under difficult conditions, and there is no grass left for the cattle to graze,” he said.
The matter has already been raised with Zambezi Regional Governor Dorothy Kabula, as well as senior police officers.
The farmers therefore urgently appeal to Namibian authorities to intervene so that the recovered cattle can be repatriated to Namibia without further delay.
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