Cattle farmers in the Zambezi Region demonstrated to demand Namibian Defence Force (NDF) assistance in securing the porous border and combating cattle theft.

Vincent Siliye, chairperson of the Liselo-Kamenga Anti-Stock Theft Association, said the security situation has become untenable.

"Armed men carrying guns are terrorising farmers across our region, operating with impunity in a wider criminal network," Siliye said. "Heavily armed cattle rustlers enter our republic from Zambia as if there is no presence of the Namibian Defence Force mandated by the constitution to protect and defend the integrity of this country, stealing livestock from both Namibia and Botswana."

The farmers' petition stated that continued livestock losses have destroyed livelihoods and that the security cluster's apparent inability to secure borders undermines national sovereignty. They noted the region has sufficient NDF and police personnel to curb the problem.

"Our request is to deploy the Namibian Defence Forces to seal the porous border and conduct joint operations to stop armed incursions," the petition reads. "Establish a dedicated anti-cattle rustling and cross-border crime task force utilising existing bases at Kongola, Nukwa, Mpacha and Impalila."

Police records show more than 3,000 head of cattle, valued at N$24 million, have been lost since 2019. Farmers said the losses are unbearable as cattle farming sustains livelihoods and the local economy. The area between Liselo and Kamenga spans more than 100km without security presence to deter armed rustlers from Zambia.

Farmer David Mpangala said, "Our government should hear our cry because these people come with guns. Even if you try to follow them just within Namibia, you can still be killed."

Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula, who received the petition with Regional Commander Julia Sakua-Neo, said the issue has been raised in parliament.