Meatco suspends official suspected of stock theft

RUNDU – Meatco has suspended a senior official stationed in the Kavango East region, who is under investigation for stock theft. The official allegedly instructed junior staff members on Saturday to transport eight calves from the company’s quarantine camp to his farm.

The calves were loaded from the Matumbo Ribebe Quarantine Camp in Kavango West.

“As part of our core value of integrity and in serving our mandate as a key player in the livestock industry, Meatco condemns cattle theft in its entirety. It is on this basis that one of our employees tipped off the relevant authorities on the cattle theft case currently under investigation with the Namibian Police in the Kavango West region,’’ said Meatco CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji in a press release.

He noted that an internal investigation has been instituted against the suspect.

“The suspected employee has since been suspended with immediate effect to allow for a proper investigation to take place.

We remain committed to continue living up to our values, particularly that of integrity as well as upholding high ethical standards in executing our work, necessary systems and processes to manage employee conduct. Any deviations from the norm are handled expeditiously to restore public trust,’’ he added.

Mushokabanji encouraged all members of the public to always be vigilant and report cattle theft trading at all times.

The police said they are still looking into the matter and once investigations are executed, only then will the suspect be arrested.

“For now, we are still investigating and can’t go much into detail,’’ said Kavango West Namibian Police commander Julia Sakuwa-Neo.