The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has denied media reports suggesting it declared the removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Red Line) impossible.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that removing the red line entirely is not straightforward, as it plays a critical role in protecting livestock markets and preventing disease transmission.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, has declared a polio outbreak and announced a third nationwide vaccination campaign from 20 to 23 April 2026 for children aged 10 and below.

Job Amupanda's fight to have the Red Line removed continued before High Court Judge Shafimana Uitele today.

In submitting his evidence, Dr. Amupanda explained the historical context of how the Red Line was used interchangeably, saying that the fence was not erected under any legal framework.

The High Court proceedings in the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Red Line) case became heated when lawyers representing activist Professor Job Shipululo Amupanda announced their decision not to proceed with a previously indicated application for the recusal of Judge Shafimana Ueitele. 

Prominent lawyer Dirk Conradie is among those subpoenaed to testify in Dr. Job Amupanda’s legal battle to remove the northern Red Line.

The High Court is set to hear testimonies from Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and incarcerated former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala as part of activist Job Amupanda’s legal challenge seeking to abolish the veterinary cordon fence, widely known as the Red Line.