Eiseb, Epukiro farmers urged to stay vigilant as rainy season attracts cattle thieves

Community Against Stocktheft Organisation (Caso) chairperson Hionganda Murangi is calling on farmers to remain vigilant during the rainy season.

He warns that cattle thieves are targeting areas such as ponds and dams.

Murangi says many farmers believe their livestock are safe and enjoying the abundance of water and grazing.

However, the Eiseb and Epukiro water catchment areas are hotspots for stock theft, he says.

To combat this, Caso deployed teams to monitor high-risk areas over the festive season.

“Let us not relax. Visits to ponds and earth dams must be done on a regular basis. Let’s be on the lookout and keep patrolling,” the chairperson says.

He calls on farmers and community members to alert Caso to any suspicious people or vehicles in their areas.

“Livestock is our only means of survival. It pays for our children’s education and needs to be taken care of. We don’t have to allow thieves to take it away from us,” he says.

Murangi says Caso will continue working with the police to curb crime in the community.

“We are grateful that the police are collaborating with us in protecting the community. We will make sure stock theft is not tolerated,” he says.

Murangi says about 20 Caso members were trained by the police last July, equipping them with essential policing skills.

In early December 2024, Caso and community efforts led to the recovery of four stolen head of cattle near the Otjimati and Ozombouvapa villages.

The suspects abandoned their vehicle after a chase. Eight fled the scene, while two were later apprehended by the police at Ozombouvapa village and a neighbouring cattle post.

Police investigations in the matter continue.