NAU assesses impact of stock theft

The project is being undertaken with the support of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).

According to the latest issue of the agricultural union's newsletter, stock theft is a prevalent crime in Namibia, with animals mainly slaughtered for consumption or sold at auctions.

Some stock thieves are reported to be working as syndicates.

The union says according to newspaper reports across Namibia, the theft of livestock and poaching of game, along with human-wildlife conflict are of the biggest challenges for the agricultural sector.

Recently high-profile figures were arrested for poaching.

“This is also reported by regional representatives at every executive council meeting of the NAU,” the newsletter says.

However, the union says statistics in its possession does not reflect this situation, raising the need to collect data on livestock and game theft and human-animal conflict.

“For the study, data will be collected from title-deed areas to obtain an overview of losses incurred through stolen livestock and game, predators, damage caused by elephants, and the cost of control mechanisms,” says the newsletter.

Respective agricultural unions of emerging and resettlement producers will also participate in this study.

“To be effective, it is the duty of every member to participate in this survey, and the NAU strongly urges every member to participate.

“If there is insufficient feedback, it can be assumed that poaching, theft, et cetera are not considered a serious problem in the agricultural sector,” the NAU cautions members.

The results of the study will be shared on 5 October at the agricultural outlook conference, the union says.

Although the NAU may not have the accurate statistics, the government has always taken the scourge seriously as shown by the amendment of the Stock Theft Act in 2004.

This act was amended to prescribe long jail terms, even for first-time offenders.

The theft of livestock worth more than N$500 (e.g. a goat or a sheep) carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in jail, and a minimum of 30 years for repeat offenders.

Livestock valued at less than N$500 (e.g. a chicken) carries a mandatory jail sentence of two years.

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