OUTJO – Four men accused of being involved in a large-scale cattle theft and mass slaughter incident in the Outjo district appeared in the Outjo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they were denied bail. 

The accused 47-year-old Kilian Masele; 34-year-old Matheus Kataeko; 30-year-old Vevangapi Kambapa; and 41-year-old Titus Negongo were arrested in Outjo and Otjiwarongo on Saturday in connection with the theft of 31 cattle reportedly stolen from the Bergvlei and Mountbauten farms last Thursday. 

The stolen cattle are valued at more than N$ 300 000. 

Magistrate Peingondjapi Shipo presided over the hearing and denied the accused bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, and stating that granting bail would not be in public interest. 

During the court appearance, Masele, Kataeko and Negongo pleaded not guilty, while Kambapa pleaded guilty. All four indicated that they would conduct their own defence. 

Negongo claimed he was not involved in the theft, stating, “I am a taxi driver, I only off-loaded them in Otjiwarongo.” 

Prior to the court proceedings, farmers and residents of Outjo staged a protest outside the magistrate’s court, demanding that bail be denied to the accused. 

The case has been postponed to 10 July 2025 to allow for further investigations. 

The police are also continuing their search for additional suspects believed to be connected to the case. -Nampa