Justicia Shipena
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) says the number of missing cattle at one of its contracted feedlots is expected to rise as investigations continue.
Meatco’s interim chief executive officer, Albertus Aochamub, said this in a statement on Monday. He also confirmed that Meatco has filed a criminal complaint with the Namibian Police after uncovering irregularities in livestock management.
Reports first emerged in July about the disappearance of around 400 cattle worth N$7 million from a feedlot linked to a suspected drug dealer.
According to The Namibian newspaper, the animals were allegedly stolen by businessman David van der Linden, who was contracted to feed and care for the cattle before slaughtering and processing.
Van der Linden has since been arrested in connection with a N$52-million dagga plantation discovered on farm Eendrag between Hochfeld and Osire in the Khomas Region. A case of stock theft has been opened against him.
Linden Beef Feedlot entered into a feeding contract with Meatco in 2023 under the leadership of then-chief executive officer Mwilima Mushokabanji. The agreement required Van der Linden’s company to collect cattle from communal farmers south of the veterinary cordon fence, also known as the redline.
“The initial headcount of missing livestock stands at approximately 400 cattle, though this figure may increase as ongoing forensic investigations continue to reveal further details,” Aochamub said.
He noted that internal reviews and legal probes revealed suspicious cattle movements and discrepancies in records, leading to a large number of unaccounted animals.
The investigation has also implicated Patrick Liebenberg, Meatco’s executive for livestock procurement and production, who briefly served as acting chief executive officer.
Liebenberg was suspended on 15 July 2025, just weeks before the end of his six-month acting term, to allow for an independent investigation.
This was confirmed in an internal memo issued by Meatco board deputy chairperson Stefanie de Klerk.
Liebenberg was appointed acting CEO in February after the board decided not to renew Mushokabanji’s contract.
Liebenberg previously said the cattle shortage was criminal in nature and not linked to Meatco staff.
He also stated that the shortage was first detected on 1 May during a pre-arranged ear tag scanning session and confirmed again between 20 and 23 May 2025 at the Linden Beef Feedlot.
According to Aochamub, the complaint alleges that cattle were unlawfully moved between feedlots to distort stock counts, conceal losses and mislead both Meatco and external auditors.
It also cites obstruction of reporting processes and misrepresentation of payments linked to cattle movements.
“In light of these developments, Meatco took the precautionary step of suspending Mr Liebenberg on 15 July 2025 to allow for an unhindered investigation,” Aochamub said.
He added that Meatco is cooperating with the police and will submit all necessary documents and witness statements to aid the ongoing probe and any potential prosecution.
Aochamub emphasised that Meatco remains committed to serving Namibian livestock producers, protecting the red meat industry, and upholding transparency and accountability.
“The Board and Management assure stakeholders, producers, and the Namibian public that Meatco will pursue this matter with the seriousness it deserves, guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” he said.
He said no further details will be released for now to avoid affecting the ongoing investigation, but updates will follow when appropriate.
Earlier this year, prime minister Elijah Ngurare demanded an explanation from the Ministry of Finance regarding the reported disappearance of 400 cattle from Meatco. Through secretary to Cabinet Emilia Mkusa, Ngurare directed finance ministry executive director Michael Humavindu to provide a formal briefing on the matter.
In a letter dated 25 June 2025, then-acting CEO Liebenberg confirmed to Humavindu that a cattle shortage had been reported, though he did not provide an exact figure.
The corporation has also witnessed the emergence of governance tensions. Former board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned in June, claiming he was pressured to carry out unlawful directives.
Caption
Meatco expects the number of missing cattle at one of its contracted feedlots is expected to rise as investigations into the disappearance of over 400 animals continue.
- Photo: Contributed
