Nearly 1,900 animals stolen, only 8% recovered in Hardap, says governor
Stock theft continues to cripple communal farming in the Hardap Region, with nearly 1,900 animals stolen between January and June 2025 and only 8% of their value recovered, Governor Riaan McNab revealed on Wednesday.
Delivering his State of the Region Address in Mariental, McNab described the situation as alarming, noting that 285 cases of stock theft were reported in the first half of the year. Of the 222 suspects arrested, all were adult males; however, only 13 cattle and 197 small stock were recovered, out of a total of 1,894 livestock stolen, valued at N$6.9 million.
“Only 8.15% of the total value stolen was recovered, amounting to N$564,000,” said McNab.
“We cannot allow this trend to continue.”
He emphasised that stock theft poses a significant threat to household food security and rural livelihoods, particularly as the government invests heavily in livestock support programs.
Agricultural intervention
McNab outlined ongoing government initiatives such as the Small Stock Distribution and Development Scheme, under which 1,100 ewes and 55 rams were distributed to 55 farmers.
He also highlighted the Poultry Value Chain Development Scheme, valued at N$2.4 million, which has benefitted 340 farmers, and the Dairy Value Chain Programme, worth N$3 million, supporting eight farmers.
In addition, the broader NAMSIP mechanisation project delivered tractors, balers, mowers, and hand-held tools, alongside the training of 14 operators who are now providing ploughing services across the region.
He warned that unless theft is curbed, such efforts would be undermined.
“Farmers cannot thrive if their herds are constantly under threat. Stock theft is not just a crime, it is economic sabotage,” McNab emphasised.
Policing and prevention
McNab revealed that to address the crisis, the Namibian police in Hardap are stepping up efforts.
Several new police subdivisions, including one focused on Protected Resources, are being planned.
The GBV and Vulnerable Victims Unit in Mariental was renovated, and plots for future police stations in Rehoboth and Mariental have been secured.
Additionally, the region undertook extensive awareness campaigns and border patrols, with the governor calling for closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Delivering his State of the Region Address in Mariental, McNab described the situation as alarming, noting that 285 cases of stock theft were reported in the first half of the year. Of the 222 suspects arrested, all were adult males; however, only 13 cattle and 197 small stock were recovered, out of a total of 1,894 livestock stolen, valued at N$6.9 million.
“Only 8.15% of the total value stolen was recovered, amounting to N$564,000,” said McNab.
“We cannot allow this trend to continue.”
He emphasised that stock theft poses a significant threat to household food security and rural livelihoods, particularly as the government invests heavily in livestock support programs.
Agricultural intervention
McNab outlined ongoing government initiatives such as the Small Stock Distribution and Development Scheme, under which 1,100 ewes and 55 rams were distributed to 55 farmers.
He also highlighted the Poultry Value Chain Development Scheme, valued at N$2.4 million, which has benefitted 340 farmers, and the Dairy Value Chain Programme, worth N$3 million, supporting eight farmers.
In addition, the broader NAMSIP mechanisation project delivered tractors, balers, mowers, and hand-held tools, alongside the training of 14 operators who are now providing ploughing services across the region.
He warned that unless theft is curbed, such efforts would be undermined.
“Farmers cannot thrive if their herds are constantly under threat. Stock theft is not just a crime, it is economic sabotage,” McNab emphasised.
Policing and prevention
McNab revealed that to address the crisis, the Namibian police in Hardap are stepping up efforts.
Several new police subdivisions, including one focused on Protected Resources, are being planned.
The GBV and Vulnerable Victims Unit in Mariental was renovated, and plots for future police stations in Rehoboth and Mariental have been secured.
Additionally, the region undertook extensive awareness campaigns and border patrols, with the governor calling for closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article