Stock theft case postponed at Gobabis Magistrate’s Court

A stock theft case involving five suspects arrested at Plessis Plaas in 2023, has been postponed to 2 and 3 July in the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects, Synanus Katjiutua (42), Paul Tjiposa (38), Mbeurora Tjomuho (31), Travold Tjandero (31) and Mosupi Udigeng (29), appeared before magistrate Eden Iyambo on Wednesday.

Iyambo postponed the case to allow the suspects to acquire legal representatives, as some lawyers have withdrawn from the case.

The suspects were arrested near Plessis Plaas, better known as Okamujenda, in November 2023 on suspicion of transporting stolen cattle from Otjombinde and Otjinene.

The postponement comes amidst demands from communal farmers and the Community Against Stocktheft Organisation (Caso) for harsher penalties.

Farmers from Aminuis, Eiseb Block, Otjombinde, Otjinene, Eiseb, Epukiro and neighbouring commercial farms on Tuesday marched to the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court to deliver a petition.
In the petition, the group demanded stiffer sentences for the suspects due to their alleged history of stock theft offences and repeated violations of bail conditions.

“The suspects have a habit of committing the same crime upon any opportunity presented to them, including violating with impunity, bail conditions. They have also demonstrated no remorse for the crimes committed, which has a devastating impact on communal livelihood,” the group said.

They further claimed that the suspects are part of a syndicate which has terrorised the community of Omaheke dating back to 2017. It said since the incarceration of the suspects in 2023, stock theft within the jurisdiction has drastically reduced, and the community can now breathe a sigh of relief.

“We appeal to the court to act in defence of the public interest or affected communities by sending a clarion call to these offenders and would-be offenders alike. The court should impose a deterrent sentence which will send a compelling message throughout the country if we are to curb such illicit crimes,” the petition reads.

State prosecutor Faith Nyaungwa received the petition.

Caso and the affected communities also petitioned against granting of bail to the suspects in January last year.

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