The Outjo Magistrates Court in the Kunene Region has remanded four men accused of stealing 31 cattle in the Outjo district last week.

The men are alleged to have operated an illegal slaughterhouse at Farm Mountbauten and Farm Bergvlei.

The accused are Killian Tjikaka Masela, 47; Mathues Kataeko, 34; Vevangapi Kambampa, 30; and Titus Nekongo, 41.

They appeared before Magistrate Peingonjabi Shipo, who postponed their case to July 10.

The men, who are from Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region, indicated they will present defenses against the stock theft

charges. Three of the accused pleaded guilty, while one pleaded not guilty.

The state opposed bail, citing incomplete investigations, the seriousness of the offense due to the value and number of cattle involved, concerns for public interest and the administration of justice, and the likelihood that the accused may commit similar offenses. Additionally, more arrests are anticipated.

Last week, the accused were apprehended during a joint operation after allegedly driving the cattle, valued at N$372,000, from the two farms to a neighboring farm, where they slaughtered 30 of the cattle. They also made biltong from the meat and hung it to dry.

A taxi used in the commission of the crime has been impounded.