The Keetmanshoop Divisional Court has slapped a farmer and three co-accused with a fine of N$1,000 each or three months imprisonment for assaulting a suspected livestock thief.

This follows their conviction a week ago on a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

They are Coenraad Nolte, Alex Kooper, Jan Steenkamp, and Barnabas Kukamba.

The four accused assaulted Ephraim Fredericks by kicking, punching, and using an Oryx horn four years ago after they caught him in an act of stealing livestock at a farm located 15 kilometres outside Keetmanshoop.

Magistrate Frans Anderson noted Fredericks' criminal actions were attributed to the accused persons being convicted by the court.

One accused, Nolte, faced charges of murder when he shot dead Faustinus Nyanga, who allegedly also attempted to steal livestock.

The court however acquitted  Nolte on a murder charge related to Nyanga's death, ruling he had acted within the bounds of self-defense after the deceased allegedly charged at him with an open knife.  

Magistrate Anderson ordered that Nolte's shotgun, shoes, and a live cartridge, which had been seized as court exhibits, be returned to him.