BUKALO – Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Charles Mubita has directed law enforcement agencies to urgently step up protection of communities along the Namibia–Zambia border, following a surge in violent cattle rustling incidents in the Zambezi region.

The directive comes as farmers continue to suffer heavy losses. One such victim, Oscar Mulonda, recently lost 68 cattle belonging to his blind brother, after armed rustlers allegedly crossed from Zambia and drove the animals across the border.

Recounting the incident, Mulonda said the attackers struck in broad daylight and were armed.

“They came with guns and chased after the cattle herder at around 14h00,” he said, adding that the suspects drove away the entire herd.

“This time, the whole kraal was taken — 68 cattle.”

He explained that herders were too afraid to intervene after spotting one of the suspects carrying what appeared to be an AK-47.

Despite efforts by the community and police to track the animals, they were driven into Zambia, making recovery difficult.

Speaking on the matter, Mubita acknowledged that while Namibia remains largely peaceful, communities along the border are living in fear.

“Not everybody lives in peace,” he said. “Our people along the border have not experienced peace in recent months because their safety is under threat from those who cross over and steal their cattle.”

He revealed that some victims have been shot and seriously injured in recent attacks.

“Four days ago, someone was seriously injured after being shot,” Mubita added.

The deputy minister issued a firm call to both the Namibian Police and the Namibian Defence Force to act decisively.

“It is the duty of every security officer to ensure that every Namibian lives in peace and stability at all times,” he stressed.

“There is no excuse for our people to be harassed in their own country,” Mubita said, urging security forces to strengthen patrols and response efforts along the border.

Cattle rustling has become an increasing concern in the Zambezi region, with suspects often reported to be armed and operating in groups.

Farmers say criminals intimidate herders before driving large numbers of livestock across the border into Zambia, underscoring the urgent need for a stronger security presence and improved cross-border cooperation.

-anakale@nepc.com.na