Anti-stock theft organisation gets new gear

OHAMBO JATATE – With stock theft and livestock mutilation cases on the increase, the Otjituuo Community Against Theft Unit recently received a cash injection of N$31 000 to help combat stock theft.

A donation, valued at N$30 000, was given to Ocatu by Okakarara-based fishing firm Ombwajakandokojo, while police inspector general Joseph Shikongo, who attended the event, gave N$1 000 out of his own pocket to the bona fide initiative.

The event took place at Coblens settlement in Otjozondjupa region.

The donated items comprised security uniforms, boots, caps and other related items used in combating crime.

Receiving the donation, Ocatu chairperson Alfons Tjikumise said criminal activities in the area have become the order of the day, and assistance of this magnitude will help the organisation reduce crime.

“The criminals are not sleeping, and we have to make sure we stategise our plans ahead of them. These donations will motivate us to work harder for the well-being of our community,” said Tjikumise.

Despite Ombwajakandokojo and Shikongo’s police chief’s donation, Tjikumise noted that the association faces a mountain of challenges, including transport.

“We are working in harsh conditions, wet weather and using our own clothes; we need a car that will make our work easier, and we are requesting the community and good Samaritans to assist us in that regard,” added the chairperson.

About 120 community police members are expected to be trained in Okakarara constituency soon, he went on.

“The course requires funding, as these people attending the course are volunteers who survive risky situations and are being threatened by the perpetrators in many instances. We must assist them,” he said.

Handing over the donation, Ombwajakandokojo chairperson Vetaruhe Kandorozu told this publication that the entity was motivated by Ocatu’s interventions in safeguarding public and livestock within their communities.

“We know that livestock is an economic benefit of our community, and we have to play our part. We must contribute so that those animals multiply and contribute to the well-being of their communities and to gross domestic product,” said Kandorozu.

Kandorozu, the former councillor of Okakarara constituency, added that livestock farming plays a significant role in many aspects of the community, and it must be protected from thievery.

“We want the livestock to pay for healthcare, education, food security, mobility of the people and job creation,” Kandorozu said.

On his part, Shikongo urged the community to join hands with Ocatu to reduce stock theft and other crime within the area.

Ontheimportanceofcommunity policing organisations, the police supremo said Namibia appreciates their efforts and promised to assist with necessary training.

“They are doing a great job, and the community must collaborate and assist where possible. It is not the first time to pledge to these community policing organisations in my personal capacity; they need to be assisted because they help the police, as we can not reach all areas countrywide,” said Shikongo.

Shikongo cautioned community policing entities against resorting to vigilante tactics.

“We don’t want them to behave like the Epango group, and that is why they need training,” Shikongo said.

Established in 2018, Ocatu is a community-based organisation, aimed at fighting stocktheft in particular, and criminal activities in general, in the Otjituuo area.

- zngaruka@yahoo.com