Some 200 head of cattle belonging to the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) are still at the farm of suspected cannabis dealer and businessman David van der Linden near Hochfeld in the Otjozondjupa region.
This is in addition to the 400 head of cattle that recently went missing from Van der Linden’s farm Eendrag.
Meatco contracted Van der Linden in 2023 to feed and care for the animals before they are slaughtered.
An investigation by The Namibian, including a visit to the farm over the weekend, confirmed that over 200 head of cattle belonging to Meatco remain on Van der Linden’s property.
“Meatco’s lawyer was here and they said they are finalising paperwork to collect the cattle,” a worker at the farm said.
Farmworkers told The Namibian the animals were never taken back by authorities.
“The cattle belong to Meatco, and the police said they were going to take them back to their rightful owners, which is Meatco. However, they are still busy with the paperwork to take the remaining 200 cattle,” the worker reiterated.
This development follows revelations that Van der Linden is currently under investigation in connection with a N$52-million cannabis plantation uncovered on farm Eendrag.
Despite the controversy, the police have confirmed that no official case of stock theft has been opened against Van der Linden, although Meatco’s acting chief executive, Patrick Liebenberg, said the company has opened a case.
Linden Beef Feedlot entered into a feeding contract with Meatco in 2023 during former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji’s tenure.
According to the contract, Van der Linden’s company would collect cattle from communal farmers in regions south of the veterinary cordon fence (redline).
Liebenberg last week said a shortage of animals was reported on 1 May during a scheduled pre-arranged ear tag scanning session.
Despite Liebenberg confirming that a criminal case of stock theft had been opened against Van der Linden, the police have denied knowledge of a case.
“It is a clear case of stock theft and the unauthorised removal of Meatco cattle from the registered establishment. Meatco’s remaining biological stock is still at farm Eendrag.
“Meatco is busy with the police and a lawyer to remove all cattle to another feeding establishment. Meatco will use a commercial lawyer appointed through the public procurement process to further pursue the stock theft case against Mr David van der Linden.
“Mr Van der Linden is currently being held at the Okahandja prison, so Meatco’s engagement in the case will continue through the lawyers,” Liebenberg said.
NO CASE
Otjozondjupa regional police commander Philip Hidengwa last week said no stock theft case had been opened by Meatco.
“I am not aware of a stock theft case opened by Meatco in connection with the cattle; there is no case like that at the moment,” he said.
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed this.
Liebenberg last week declined to comment further, saying: “Please call the Meatco board chairperson for comment.”
This comes at a time when the already struggling state-owned entity has been in the news for not making a profit and constantly being bailed out by the government.
Former Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua recently stepped down as a result of unlawful government directives that were not in the company’s best interests.
Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkusa previously issued an urgent letter to Meatco demanding an explanation for the missing animals.
The cattle allegedly went missing under the watch of Liebenberg.
Some sources suggest the incident is a front to remove Liebenberg from his position.
Mkusa in a letter seen by The Namibian and addressed to executive director of finance Michael Humavindu on 24 June says: “I write to request a formal briefing and explanation from your esteemed office regarding recent public reports alleging the disappearance of approximately 400 head of cattle from Meatco.”
Mkusa says the disappearance of the livestock is cause for public concern.
“Given Meatco’s strategic role in the livestock and meat industry and its oversight relationship with your ministry, the reported incident has triggered serious public concern relating to corporate accountability at Meatco.
“The alleged disappearance of such a large number of cattle under the watch of a state-owned enterprise is wholly unacceptable.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
