Maria David
THE four notorious cattle thieves identified as Kilian Masele (47), Matias Kaulikengelelwa Kataeko (34), Vevangapi Kampapa (30), and Titus Negongo (41) were remanded in custody after making their first court appearance in the Outjo Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Peingondjapi Shipo, who denied them bail and postponed the matter to 10 July 2025, explaining that this was done due to the gravity of the alleged offense.
The four are accused of allegedly driving 31 herds of cattle, with a total value of N$372,000, from two farms in Outjo to a neighbouring farm, where they slaughtered 30 cattle.
At the time of the discovery, the suspects were in the process of butchering the animals and preparing biltong when they were disturbed by the approaching farm workers.
They then managed to evade capture, abandoning their operation and fleeing the scene.
However, the suspects reportedly took the precaution of removing all ear tags from the slaughtered cattle, hindering the immediate identification of the animals’ owners.
