22 sheep stolen at Otjimbingwe

THREE people appeared in the Karibib Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of stock theft involving 22 sheep from a kraal at farm Vaalpos in the Otjimbingwe area.

Erongo regional commander for community affairs inspector Ileni Shapumba says the suspects on Monday allegedly drove the animals away from the kraal before slaughtering them.

“The police action and investigation led to the arrest of five suspects (four men and one woman). All of them emerged from the local areas at Otjimbingwe,” he says.

Mibate Xoagub, Germany Seibeb and Magdalena Kharuchas were denied bail, and the case has been postponed to next month.

Two other suspects will appear in court next week.

The value of the stolen sheep is estimated at N$32 500, of which one whole sheep carcass and nine heads have been recovered.

Shapumba says among the suspects are community activitists, who, at community meetings, blame the police for not doing enough to curb stock theft in the area.

Shapumba says the theft of large stock usually takes place during long weekends as criminals are hoping to make quick money.

“Long weekends attract these activities, because thieves know people need meat to enjoy themselves,” he says.

Police investigations into the matter continue.