Zebaldt Ngaruka
EPUKIRO - Two cows were found with gapping stab wounds in the Kalkpan settlements in Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency yesterday morning.
Owner Akas Katjiteo said it is very painful to see animals in such situations, and failed to understand why a human being would do such an act.
Katjiteo’s attempt to get assistance from the constituency’s veterinary services was met with a text message that said “leave text”.
Rooi Jan Tjituka, who is Katjiteo’s neighbour, was also shocked to see such cruelty being committed against livestock.
“This is getting worse in this village. Three weeks back, one cow died because of a stab wound here in Kalkpan, whereas two others came with ropes tied on their necks from the grazing area,” explained Tjituka.
He added that the villagers are now working hard to locate the area where the animals were attacked and find the culprits.
“We are in touch with the stock theft association in collaboration with Namibian Police to make sure we get the perpetrators,” he said.
About a month ago, Kalkpan resident Sakaria Tjitemisa lost four heads of cattle, something that put the settlement community in fear mode of their livestock.
Last Friday, a Toyota bakkie was spotted on the Kalkpan road attempting to load goats but sped off when residents noticed it.
“There is no rest here, and we have to work together in this village for our livestock safety,” Tjituka said.
Village senior councillor Turi Murise only heard the bad news from this publication and said: “I am not aware, I don’t know why I am not informed, but it is very bad and a big loss to the owner. I have to go and find out what transpired from fellow villagers”.
The traditional leader added that cattle are the livelihood of the community and such inhumane acts must be stopped at all cost.
“This is serious, and we have to stand up to prevent it escalating further. We are already in a difficult drought period, cattle are our source of survival where we assist each other either with funerals, weddings, or even paying school fees for our children,” said Murise.
Vice chairperson of the Community Against Stocktheft Organisation Kahepako Kakujaha told this publication that the association is following developments at Kalkpan closely, and they are in touch with the team on the ground.
“I cannot divulge more on this as it is a security matter, and we have to be more careful when sharing information under investigation,” said Kakujaha.
Photo: Cruelty
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