Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has suspended its acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg.
This is pending an investigation into the disappearance of 400 head of cattle, valued at approximately N$7 million.
Meatco has been under mounting pressure from employees and the public to account for the loss of the animals, strengthen internal controls and rebuild trust in the operations of the State-owned meat processor.
Liebenberg, who also serves as executive for livestock procurement and production, was suspended a month after employees staged a protest.
It was led by the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU). The workers accused management of mismanagement, discrimination and a lack of accountability.
During the demonstration, which took place in Windhoek, employees handed a petition to Liebenberg himself.
They called for the suspension of senior executives, including the CEO and human resources executive, to pave the way for an impartial investigation into the company’s affairs.
Among their key demands was the appointment of an external auditor to probe the alleged theft of the 400 missing cattle.
An internal memo issued by Stephanie de Klerk, deputy chairperson of Meatco’s board of directors states that the suspension took effect on 14 July 2025.
The board cited the need for an independent investigation and assured whistle-blowers involved in the matter that they would receive appropriate protection throughout the process.
In the interim, the board has appointed Kingsley Kwenani as acting CEO, effective yesterday until 31 August 2025, or until the Ministry of Finance finalises an external secondment for the position.
“This interim arrangement is necessarytoallowforanindependent and transparent investigation, while ensuring continuity in operations at the corporation,” the board said in a statement.
The controversy centres on cattle that were allegedly stolen from a Meatco feedlot operated by contractor David van der Linden, who was tasked with feeding and caring for the animals before slaughter.
Liebenberg had previously confirmed that a stock theft case was opened against Van der Linden, whose company, Linden Beef Feedlot, entered into a feeding contract with Meatco in 2023 during the tenure of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji.
The cattle were sourced from communal farmers located south of the veterinary cordon fence (the red line). Under the terms of the contract, responsibility for their care and management rested with Van der Linden.
He has recently come under additional scrutiny following his arrest in connection with a N$52 million cannabis plantation discovered at Farm Eendrag, situated between Hochfeld and Osire in the Khomas region.
The board has urged all employees to support Kwenani in his temporary role, cooperate fully with the investigation and maintain confidentiality by refraining from engaging with the media or third parties on the matter.
It further called on stakeholders to allow the board the space and confidence needed to bring the investigation to a fair and effective conclusion.
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