Meatco confirms 900 cattle missing as N$2.5 million remains unaccounted for in leaked report

With N$2.5 million missing from company

A recent government report from the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has revealed that a total of 900 head of cattle are still missing from the company.

This is in addition to the 400 head of cattle that disappeared from one David van der Linden’s farm last year.

The farmer, who is currently facing a drug dealing case, was contracted to feed and care for the animals before slaughtering and processing.

Additionally, Meatco board chairperson Stephanie de Klerk yesterday confirmed the authenticity of a report addressed to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform indicating some cash reconciliations of N$2.5 million could not be accounted for by the company’s livestock procurement department.

“Preliminary assessments revealed that Meatco’s missing livestock is estimated to be more than the initially reported 400. The rough figure now stands at around 900 and is pending validation through the ongoing external audit,” she said.

“Further incidental matters such as cash reconciliations of amounts that could not be accounted for by the livestock procurement department of roughly around N$2.5 million, however, subject to change with the final recon, are currently underway, the outcome of which could add further charges either criminally, or under civil or labour law,” De Klerk said.

The Namibian last year reported that Meatco’s former acting chief executive, Patrick Liebenberg, was suspended by the company’s board, following his alleged involvement in the stolen cattle and irregularly paying Van der Linden.

De Klerk in the report dated 3 October 2025 said Liebenberg was placed on precautionary suspension effective 15 July 2025 to allow for investigation into Meatco’s missing cattle.

“Preliminary findings implicate the former executive officer, as well as some members of staff whose involvement will be handled as investigations continue,” she said.

De Klerk said a criminal case has been lodged against Liebenberg at Hochfeld and Gobabis following charges of the theft of livestock and defeating the course of justice.

She said further charges could be added.

Liebenberg yesterday said the reconciliation involving the N$2.5 million was effective after his suspension.

“The reconciliation is dated August 2025. I left the office earlier. The correct reconciliation was provided to Meatco that does not show any shortage while I was in office.

“The current Meatco has confirmed to board members per mail that the reconciliation of N$2.5 million has nothing to do with my suspension. Transactions were undertaken after I left office,” he said.

Liebenberg said he supports criminal, civil or labour action depending on the outcome of the investigation.

De Klerk yesterday confirmed that a criminal case has been opened with the police and that the matter is enjoying priority from the law-enforcement agencies.

“We can also confirm that an internal disciplinary process is underway within the provisions of the labour law and the applicable Meatco policy. All stakeholders are being appraised as the matters progress,” she said.

The agriculture ministry yesterday said it would gather information before commenting on them matter.

The finance ministry did not respond to questions by the time of going to print.

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