By Michael Liswaniso
OPUWO
A 40-year-old man was severely assaulted on Monday in Otjouje village in Opuwo district after he was found with nine cattle suspected to have been stolen from Ombombo village, some 50 km outside Opuwo.
The suspect, who has been identified by the police as Abel Ndjukuma Shuuliki, is said to be a well-known stock thief in the district. He allegedly has numerous other cases of stock theft.
It is also alleged that aggrieved community members have previously assaulted him for similar offences.
Lately, said the police, he was severely assaulted such that he fell unconscious and is in a critical condition at Opuwo State Hospital. His condition was, however, reported to have slightly improved by yesterday.
The police have opened a case of attempted murder against the community members who were involved in the assault, while investigations continue.
All cattle were recovered and handed back to the owner was identified as Gerson Mbinge.