The Otjiwarongo Municipality has announced that it will begin impounding livestock found roaming the streets and central business district of the town on Sunday.

The announcement was made during a meeting with nearly 80 illegal farmers at Camp Five on Saturday.

The municipality’s acting head of community services, Gotlieb Inongelwa, said that from Sunday, livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and donkeys must no longer be seen on the streets, along the B1 road section of town, or in the CBD. 

He said it is a danger to motorists and a health hazard to residents.

“We will issue fines and impound livestock, and we will only release the animals upon payment of a fee,” he said.

Inongelwa also said by the end of February 2025, all illegal farmers who have constructed kraals around Otjiwarongo must vacate the area.

He said the Local Authority Act of 1992 prohibits livestock farming on town land and says livestock can only be kept on designated land that is fenced off for such purposes.

Since August 2024, approximately 3,000 livestock have been recorded within the town limits.

Inongelwa also noted that the Camp Five area, where kraals and temporary structures have been erected, is earmarked for future residential development for over 5,000 people.

“For those venturing into livestock farming, please approach the Land Reform office for resettlement, as the Otjiwarongo Municipality only has land for human settlement,” he said. 

An animal health technician in the Division of Veterinary Services, Aaron Tjaahapi, also warned farmers to refrain from moving livestock to Otjiwarongo illegally, as this is punishable with a fine of N$100,000 or five-year imprisonment.

During the meeting, some farmers expressed concerns about the decision. Monica Neumbo said she has been farming on the Otjiwarongo Municipality land since 2008, and the eviction will complicate her life unless a plan is provided for her livestock.

Another farmer, Jasen Uiseb, proposed a final meeting where individual cases could be discussed.

Otjiwarongo Municipality Chief Executive Officer Mberipura Hifitikeko set 28 January 2025 as the date for a final meeting with affected farmers but made it clear that the eviction deadline of February 2025 will remain unchanged.

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