750 cases of stock theft since January
Farmers urged to join hands to fight crime
The police have implored farmers to implement new initiatives and make use of the latest technologies, such as cameras, drones and radios, to curb stock theft.
A total of 750 stock theft cases were reported between January and October this year, with the Otjozondjupa Region recording more than half of the cases (451).
In the Omaheke Region, 225 cases were reported, while in Khomas, 74 cases were reported.
Police chief inspector general Joseph Shikongo said this during an engagement with farmers in Omitara in the Omaheke Region.
He said these numbers reflect a slight decline from the 825 stock theft cases recorded in 2021 from January to December. The majority of cases were also reported in the Otjozondjupa Region (488), followed by Omaheke (260), and then Khomas (77).
Together is better
Shikongo said that the onus to curb stock theft lies with everyone.
"We can do this by marking and branding livestock; however, it should be done in accordance with the Stock Brands Act because unbranded or unmarked livestock create loopholes for proving livestock ownership. It will further avoid disputed ownership during investigations."
He said it is also worth noting that the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute does not have the capacity for a wildlife or animal DNA database or analysis capabilities.
"Hence, the importance of marking and branding livestock."
He urged farmers to fully utilise the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (Namlits) for registration and de-registration of livestock, proper control and management.
Be proactive
Shikongo implored farmers to come up with new initiatives and make use of the latest technologies, such as cameras, drones and radios, to curb stock theft.
He also advised farmers to keep proper employee records , as they might be suspects or witnesses during investigations.
The police chief underlined that the police have embraced the concept of community policing to fight crime in Namibia.
"It is a concept focused on the need for police and the public to work together to prevent crime in our neighbourhoods by making them safer for residents and reducing the fear of crime."
He urged the farmer’s community to join neighbourhood watches, police reservists and the Women and Men Network.
Improve safety
According to him, most farmers have already joined the Nossob Crime Forum, which is registered under the Gobabis Police Station and caters to Witvlei, Omitara and Gobabis.
He assured the farmers that the general crime situation in the country is manageable, but crimes such as rape, robberies, gender-based violence, and stock theft are becoming a concern.
"Hence, the police are urging community members to support the police in the fight against crime to make Namibia safe for all its citizens and visitors alike."
In the Omaheke Region, 225 cases were reported, while in Khomas, 74 cases were reported.
Police chief inspector general Joseph Shikongo said this during an engagement with farmers in Omitara in the Omaheke Region.
He said these numbers reflect a slight decline from the 825 stock theft cases recorded in 2021 from January to December. The majority of cases were also reported in the Otjozondjupa Region (488), followed by Omaheke (260), and then Khomas (77).
Together is better
Shikongo said that the onus to curb stock theft lies with everyone.
"We can do this by marking and branding livestock; however, it should be done in accordance with the Stock Brands Act because unbranded or unmarked livestock create loopholes for proving livestock ownership. It will further avoid disputed ownership during investigations."
He said it is also worth noting that the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute does not have the capacity for a wildlife or animal DNA database or analysis capabilities.
"Hence, the importance of marking and branding livestock."
He urged farmers to fully utilise the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (Namlits) for registration and de-registration of livestock, proper control and management.
Be proactive
Shikongo implored farmers to come up with new initiatives and make use of the latest technologies, such as cameras, drones and radios, to curb stock theft.
He also advised farmers to keep proper employee records , as they might be suspects or witnesses during investigations.
The police chief underlined that the police have embraced the concept of community policing to fight crime in Namibia.
"It is a concept focused on the need for police and the public to work together to prevent crime in our neighbourhoods by making them safer for residents and reducing the fear of crime."
He urged the farmer’s community to join neighbourhood watches, police reservists and the Women and Men Network.
Improve safety
According to him, most farmers have already joined the Nossob Crime Forum, which is registered under the Gobabis Police Station and caters to Witvlei, Omitara and Gobabis.
He assured the farmers that the general crime situation in the country is manageable, but crimes such as rape, robberies, gender-based violence, and stock theft are becoming a concern.
"Hence, the police are urging community members to support the police in the fight against crime to make Namibia safe for all its citizens and visitors alike."
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