The farming community in the Otjinene constituency of the Omaheke Region has called on law enforcement officers not to release stock theft suspects on bail and to ensure that they are given long prison sentences.

Stock theft threatens the livelihoods of already struggling local farming communities, who are already faced with the burden of drought.

The farming community's group spokesperson, Uaenena Zakaapi, says recently a farmer lost four cattle, and a month earlier another one was robbed of 25 small stock.

Aminuis Constituency Councillor, Peter Kazongominja has urged traditional authorities to act as guardians of the community, even when it comes to stock-theft-related matters, as most culprits are among them.

Kazongominja made this remark at a stakeholders engagement at Corridor 13, where traditional leaders and the regional council discussed escalating stock theft in and around Corridor 13.

It is reported that, to date, farmers have lost close to 100 livestock since the beginning of the year in that vicinity.