Zebaldt Ngaruka
The chairperson of the Community Against Stock theft Organisation (CASO), Hionganda Nanda Murangi, said the organisation is dedicated to safeguarding livestock assets and regional agricultural economies by combating the dual threats of stock theft and biosecurity breaches.
Murangi made this remark following the recent stakeholders meeting that was held in Gobabis to look for ways they can join hands to help government in its efforts to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Murangi, in an interview with New Era said stock theft is no longer just property crime, it is a critical vector for the uncontrolled spread of highly contagious diseases like FMD.
“Because stolen animals bypass regulatory checkpoints and quarantine protocols, illegal livestock movement puts entire national herds at risk,” he said.
Murangi emphasised that by forging active, strategic partnerships with farmers, law enforcement, veterinary authorities, and community leaders, CASO deploys collaborative tracking, intelligence-sharing, and preventative enforcement.
“Together with our stakeholders, we are building a secure, resilient agricultural supply chain that stops thieves and halts the spread of devastating diseases at the source,” he said.
The chairperson said FMD outbreak touched the livelihoods of many farmers due to the control measures put in place, thus he urged farmers to be vigilant as thievery might not stop.
“We must be on the lookout, because thieves might use any opportunity to steal. FMD outbreak is not an excuse, CASO will be visible and working together with all stakeholders to prevent further spread,” said Murangi, adding that thieves will advance their agenda during this period.
Meanwhile, Sandi Tjaronda, CASO spokesperson, added that the organisation will continue sensitising its members to adhere to the protocols set during this FMD outbreak period.
“We will continue with our mandate to prevent stock theft. We are supporting albeit at adhoc basis to stop the movement of animals and meet through our informants and spot checks,” he said.
Furthermore, Tjaronda said the FMD outbreak has crippled CASO’s operations, which are funded through contributions from cattle sold at auctions or permit days.
“FMD is impacting negatively on our programmatic and financial stability as an organisation. We are therefore appealing for corporate support to strengthen its operations,” he said.
Formed in 2024, CASO is a grassroot civil society initiative as a direct response by local farmers and communities to the escalating crisis of livestock thievery in Omaheke region.
The organisation continues to work broadly with government branches such as the Namibian Police Force, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
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