THE Ondonga Traditional Authority (OTA) with the help of the Namibian Police has recovered 32 cattle that were stolen by suspected stock thieves operating within the Ondonga grazing area known as the Ombuga.
According to Junior headman Lot Kasamene, eight of the of the 32 stolen heads of cattle were calves.
Kasamene noted that due to public engagement on how to better root-out livestock theft, they were able to spot some of the cattle in a grazing area west of Ondangwa and community members alerted the Ondonga crime prevention committee to intervene.
Kasamene indicated that five people between the ages of 26 and 36 were identified as suspects. These include two bosses and their three action men.
“Only few of the recovered cattle have been identified, while many of the cattle have had their tags removed or had their stock brands tempered with,” he said.
He pointed out that many people have been badly affected by the continuous livestock theft and said that the traditional authority will ensure that cases of stock theft is minimized because it is affecting the nation.
Kasamene stated that the identified cattle were handed over to their owners.
The public is urged to visit the Ondonga Palace at Onambango to identify their livestock. However, proof of ownership is required to curb further stock theft activities in the area.
No arrest has been made so far. However, it is up to cattle owners to register stick theft cases with the Namibian Police.
Michael Niikondo from Oshipumbu Shomugongo, is among the few farmers that had their cows recovered and he thanked the OTA.
He stated that he plans to see the suspects behind bars.
He said that his cattle went missing after they had been attacked at Ombuga by lions and separated at the beginning of this year at the Nolongo Village.
