Pastor again in court over stock theft

THE pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) at Koës yesterday found himself in the dock again – on the second charge of stock theft in less than a month.

Police arrested Rooi on Tuesday for allegedly stealing four goats. He was granted bail of N$2 500.The case was postponed until February 22.Last month, Rooi was charged with allegedly stealing 29 goats from a commercial farmer.However, he was released after being fined N$300 for transporting livestock without a valid permit.Following the stock theft charge, Rooi was relieved from all pastoral duties.Yesterday, the Dean of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for the Keetmanshoop Circuit, Simon Petrus Tiboth, confirmed that Rooi remained on suspension.The Stock Theft Amendment Act (2004) prescribes a prison term of no less than 20 years without the option of a fine for first-time offenders convicted of stealing livestock valued at more than N$500.He was granted bail of N$2 500.The case was postponed until February 22.Last month, Rooi was charged with allegedly stealing 29 goats from a commercial farmer.However, he was released after being fined N$300 for transporting livestock without a valid permit.Following the stock theft charge, Rooi was relieved from all pastoral duties.Yesterday, the Dean of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for the Keetmanshoop Circuit, Simon Petrus Tiboth, confirmed that Rooi remained on suspension.The Stock Theft Amendment Act (2004) prescribes a prison term of no less than 20 years without the option of a fine for first-time offenders convicted of stealing livestock valued at more than N$500.