Three officials from the Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Ministry appeared in Okahao Magistrate's Court for theft of water pump sliders today. The accused, Martin Immanuel, Nanghonda Abed and Ankuwo Erasmus are all working at the ministry in Outapi, while the fourth one, who is their alleged accomplice, Shikongo Josia, is unemployed. They are accused of stealing water pump sliders from community boreholes that were installed by the Government to provide water to humans, animals and wildlife. Three water pump sliders were stolen from Uukwaluudhi area at Omanyanganyanga, Onamukuku and Omutumba Cattle post leaving animals and people without water. They appeared before magistrate Eden Amutenya who denied them bail and remanded them in custody. Their case was postponed to 16 February for formal bail application. They were denied bail due to the seriousness of the case, fear of interference with investigation and witness and it will not be in the interest of the administration of justice and public interest. The water pump sliders are valued at N$29 000, two of them were recovered while the third one is still missing. Farmers from the affected cattle posts were at Okahao demanding that the suspects should be denied bail. They said they are disappointed to learn that Government officials who are entrusted to look after public properties are the ones stealing them for self-enrichment and personal use. Animals could be seen stressed in search of water but the dams are empty. Both human and animals had to now travel a long distance to get water somewhere else while the matter is being investigated.