JUST IN: Livestock thieves caught red-handed thanks to security cameras

A significant breakthrough was made on Tuesday when an alleged syndicate of five cattle thieves was apprehended in Okahandja. They are suspected of committing crimes as far as Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Grootfontein, Kalkfeld, Omaruru, and Karibib. Farmers have called on law enforcement to ensure that they are not released again.

"We don't want these men to be back on the streets within a week. Farmers can no longer farm along the B1 highway. In the evenings, all the cattle must be driven into enclosures, or else they get shot," said Annette Kotze from Okahandja.

The suspects were intercepted in a white bakkie with a Windhoek registration number, carrying two slaughtered cattle valued at N$38 000 in the back. One occupant managed to escape, but the other five were apprehended by the police, Nyime tracking unit, and Onyati Security in Okahandja. The five are expected to make their first court appearance later today or on Thursday.

The bakkie had previously been flagged as suspicious in the Otjiwarongo area, and the Okahandja Crime Prevention Association's (OCPA's) advanced camera system was able to track the vehicle's movements when it entered their area. This breakthrough led to the apprehension of the suspects.