Over 600 cattle worth more than N$3 million were stolen in Namibia’s Zambezi Region between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a troubling spike in stock theft and cross border crime. The figures were revealed by Governor Dorothy Mareka Kabula during her first State of the Region Address delivered in Katima Mulilo, where she painted a stark picture of the region’s growing challenges around crime, border insecurity and unexploded ordnance.
A total of 184 stock theft incidents were recorded by law enforcement during the period under review, resulting in the loss of 614 cattle. While 299 cattle, valued at just over N$1 million, were successfully recovered through joint operations with Zambian authorities, 336 animals remain unaccounted for. Their combined value exceeds N$2 million.
“These border crimes prompted the need to register the concern with the Zambian authorities,” said Governor Kabula, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. She noted that border communities are particularly vulnerable and called for urgent action to curb the threat.
To address the problem, the Zambezi Region has taken steps to strengthen cross border collaboration. A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Zambia’s Western Province Administration and Botswana’s Chobe District Council. This agreement is aimed at boosting cooperation in a number of critical areas, including environmental conservation, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and most importantly, cross border security and crime prevention.
The Governor’s remarks come amid rising concern from farmers and local leaders about the safety of livestock and the economic impact of continued losses. For many in the region, cattle represent not just financial stability but cultural wealth, and their theft undermines both livelihoods and trust in border management.
Governor Kabula’s uncompromising tone signals a regional leadership determined to tackle the issue head on, as Zambezi works to balance economic growth, community safety and strong cross border partnerships.
