The Katima Mulilo Police have arrested a Zambian national suspected of stealing a calf from one of the surrounding villages.

According to the Katima Mulilo Police Station Commander, Charles Mayumbelo, the suspect was intercepted by police on night patrol.

The suspect is yet to appear in court, and police are still working to establish who the actual owner of the animal is. 

He urged livestock owners to brand their animals, as stock theft has become prevalent in the region.

Chief Inspector Mayumbelo also warned community members against buying cattle that are suspected to have been stolen or illegally brought into the country.

In a separate incident, police intercepted an illegal border-crossing operation between Zambia and Namibia – a canoe smuggling crew that brought in timber into the country from Namwi Island in Zambia and the Musanga area.

Police value the stolen timber planks at about N$5,300.

Officials from the Directorate of Forestry reminded the public that the harvesting and transportation of protected tree species must be accompanied by the required documentation and conducted through designated legal border-crossing points.