The police in the Erongo Region have raised concerns over the increase in stock theft cases over the past two years, valued at over N$1.4 million.

Erongo Regional Police Commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona presented a two-year overview of stock theft cases recorded between January 2024 and December 2025 during a police and farmers' engagement meeting in Omaruru.
 
“In January 2024, a number of 102 animals were stolen. Cattle, horses, and donkeys, and only 36 were recovered. During that same period, the number of reported cases was 137 while 32 suspects were arrested for livestock valued at N$1.3 million. Only stock valued at N$ 418,900 was recovered.” 
 
He further stated that stock theft increased significantly in 2025.
 
Kupembona stressed that while arrests were made, recovery rates remained low and financial losses continued to rise.

 “The number of big stock, such as cattle, horses, and donkeys stolen, was 167. You can already see an increase, of which only 44 were recovered. The number of small stock, such as goats, sheep, and pigs stolen, totalled 277, of which only 56 were recovered in terms of registered cases. Forty-one suspects were arrested. The total value of all stolen stock ranges up to N$ 2.6 million.”

The commissioner emphasised the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and unity between the police and farming community to curb criminal activities in the region.

 “Be our eyes and ears; we need you to report all suspicious activities, vehicles, or strangers immediately without disseminating any suspicion, to allow the police to deploy resources effectively.”