Aurelia AfrikanerWindhoek


Farmers from Gibeon, Maltahöhe and Mariental gathered in Gibeon last Wednesday for the formal handover of a petition opposing bail for two men accused in one of the region’s largest stock-theft cases in recent years.


The petition, addressed to the Gibeon Magistrate’s Court, the Office of the Prosecutor-General in Mariental and the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police in the Hardap region, called for bail to be denied to John Billy ‘Baba’ Mensah and Edward ‘Eddy’ Mensah.


The brothers are facing charges related to the alleged theft of around 66 head of cattle between January and August this year.


The brothers were arrested on 8 September, and their bail hearing is set for 16 December.


Speakers at the handover emphasised the devastating financial and emotional impact of stock theft.


With the stolen cattle valued at an estimated N$1.4 million, including pregnant cows reportedly shot and butchered, farmers say the crimes have pushed several families to the brink of ruin.


“We are not only losing animals, we are losing our livelihoods,” said Christian Swartbooi, who delivered the petition on behalf of the concerned farmers.


During the handover, farmers expressed deep frustration over the continued rise of livestock theft in the region. According to the petition, the Mensah brothers allegedly ran a long-running, structured scheme involving the capture, transport, slaughter and concealment of cattle belonging to several farmers.


The petition alleges there is evidence of livestock movements between Gibeon, Uibes and Sue Valley Farm near Mariental, where one of the accused served as a foreman and allegedly used his position to hide and process the stolen animals.


The petition describes the operation as allegedly “carefully planned, coordinated and sustained over several months.”


Fear of intimidation, interference


Farmers warn that releasing the accused may open the door to attempts to derail the investigation entirely.


The petition notes there is a substantial body of evidence for their alleged illegal activities, including eyewitness accounts, spoor and tracking marks, the recovery of stolen livestock and documentation allegedly linking the slaughtered animals to meat reportedly transported to Windhoek for sale in butcheries.


Farmers fear that releasing the accused on bail could lead to witness intimidation, evidence tampering or interference in the ongoing investigation.


The petitioners also alleged the suspects’ history of involvement in similar thefts across Gibeon, Gochas, and Aranos. In past cases, complainants reportedly withdrew charges after receiving private compensation, raising concerns of coercion and manipulation while the suspects remained free on bail, the petition read.


One of the complainants in the current matter is said to have been a victim of the same suspects previously, it added.


None of the claims could be independently verified.


The petition urges the magistrate to deny bail to both suspects until the trial commences and to ensure that the case remains under the Gibeon police jurisdiction, where the evidence and witnesses are based.


It calls on the authorities to protect the investigation from any outside interference and to prioritise the safety and economic stability of the affected farming communities. The farmers also emphasise that the offences are extremely serious and carry mandatory custodial sentences under the Stock Theft Act, underscoring the need for a firm and uncompromised judicial response.


The petition was received by public prosecutor Sinvula Mayumbelo on behalf of the State.


aurelia@nmh-hub.com.na