Since the beginning of the year farming communities in the Epukiro Constituency have lost more than 170 livestock to thieves.

Speaking at Omaueuozonjanda in the Epukiro Constituency CASO Vice Chairperson Kahepako Kakujaha says it is time to strengthen the security level in the constituency to curb stock theft.

"I think we just need to keep on being vigilant and I was actually shocked by one of the elderly ladies that said "what about my rights?" that statement itself says that our rights are overlooked at the expense of suspects that are often given up to 13 chances without being sent to prison because of stock-theft and every time you go to court you are granted bail and I think that's where things go wrong."

Kakujaha also implored farming communities to start with field visits as this will raise awareness of their presence among those who are always involved in stock-theft activities.

The constituency Councillor Packy Pakarae says stock theft is on the increase daily and this will deprive communities of their livelihoods as most of them are subsistence farmers.

A traditional leader Pinias Siririka has called upon community members to start disciplinary sessions with their children as most of the suspects are within communities.

"One will say it is very difficult as most of our children start up their own homesteads and they team up with others how will you control them, but we shall try our level best." 

A member of the Otjituuo Community Anti-Theft Unit from Otjozondjupa, Kuveri Mungendje Katjivena says the collaboration with fellow associations will also help curb stock theft.

"With the partnership between Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, we are working towards eliminating stock theft but it's not an easy assignment at all as resources are limited."

Through the engagement, the community has also raised the issue of non-implementation of the livestock and meat booklet to support livestock movement permits.

A lack of transport is another challenge.