‘Dagga’ farm with Meatco links for sale at N$34.9m

A farm linked to a N$52 million cannabis plantation and allegations of missing cattle belonging to Meatco is now heading to auction, with a market value set at N$34.9 million.

The property, Farm Eendrag near Hochfeld in the Okahandja district, gained national attention after it was linked to a massive illegal cannabis plantation and the alleged presence of hundreds of cattle belonging to the Meat Corporation of Namibia.

The farm’s online auction has been advertised by Nam Agri Properties.

Reports from 2025 and early 2026 indicate that the farm, managed by David van der Linden, housed a 1.55-hectare cannabis plantation, which police said was concealed among other crops.

The cannabis plantation was valued at approximately N$52 million, according to police statements.

The scandal deepened when several media reports alleged that between 200 and 400 Meatco cattle, estimated at around N$7 million, were reportedly found on the farm.

The animals were reportedly left unattended after the farm manager’s arrest in May 2025.

In a related development, Johannes Kamati, 61, was granted bail of N$50 000 by the High Court in December last year after successfully appealing a decision by the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court, which had initially denied him bail.

Kamati was arrested alongside Armand Schultz and South African national Van der Linden in connection with the cannabis operation.

Police reportedly discovered 52 parcels of cannabis in a vehicle driven by Kamati, leading them to the farm.

Valuation

According to a valuation report conducted on behalf of Bank Windhoek, the remainder of Farm Eendrag No. 374 is situated in the Otjozondjupa region under registration division “D” and is zoned for agricultural use.

The farm spans 4 897.3859 hectares and is described as a feedlot, irrigation and cattle operation with good-quality accommodation.

The valuation, conducted on 16 April, following an inspection on 15 April, indicates stable market conditions.

The property features an 84 000 m² feedlot facility capable of handling approximately 5 000 cattle.

The facility includes 40 feeding lots, each equipped with water points, as well as a reinforced storage and fodder shed, water reservoir and loading bay.

Water supply on the farm is sourced from 10 installed boreholes, supplemented by seven additional boreholes, with depths ranging from 40 to 90 metres.

The system feeds multiple reservoirs, tanks and a dam used for irrigation, ensuring consistent water availability for livestock and agricultural activities.

Auction details

The farm is divided into 28 camps and is enclosed by a combination of stock-proof and game-proof fencing, with sections reinforced by electrified lines.

In a promotional video, Alex McDonald of Nam Agri Properties said the online-only auction for the farm will run from 27 April to 4 May, while the loose goods auction will run from 27 April to 8 May. Two viewing days were scheduled for 17 and 24 April at the farm.

He highlighted that the property benefits from full MTC network coverage and 4G LTE connectivity.

The farm includes an older farmhouse with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a butchery facility and office space, as well as a 300-square-metre workshop, steel structures and extensive workers’ accommodation.

A second dwelling offers three bedrooms with open-plan living and an entertainment area, alongside a separate one-bedroom flat.

Describing the location as established commercial farming country, the Nam Agri video also highlights a 2 000-square-metre fodder shed providing secure storage and handling space, integrated with an 84 000-square-metre feedlot featuring modern pens and handling facilities designed for efficiency.

“The layout is designed for maximum efficiency. This is not hobby farming but a serious finishing operation," McDonald said.

The Namibian government has granted a waiver allowing the sale of the farm, with international investors permitted to participate.

[email protected]