GOBABIS – A stock theft case involving five suspects arrested at Plessis Plaas in 2023, has been postponed to 2 and 3 July 2025 in the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects – 42-year-old Synanus Karukukutu Katjiutua, Paul Tjiposa(38), Mbeurora Tjomuho (31), Travold Tjandero (31) and Mosupi Udigeng (29) – appeared before Magistrate Eden Iyambo last Wednesday.

The case was then postponed to allow the suspects to acquire legal representatives, as some lawyers have withdrawn from the case.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 Stock-theft Organisation (CASO) for harsher penalties.

On Tuesday, farmers from Aminuis, Eiseb Block, Otjombinde, Otjinene, Eiseb, Epukiro and neighbouring commercial farms marched to the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court to deliver a petition.

In it, 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 similar crimes upon any opportunity presented to them, including violating with impunity their bail conditions. They have also demonstrated no remorse for the crimes committed, which has a devastating impact on communal livelihoods,” 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. 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, the petitioners added.

“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,” it further read.

State prosecutor Faith Nyaungwa received the petition.
CASO and the affected communities likewise petitioned against the granting of bail to the suspects in January last year.

–Nampa