Staff Reporter
THE Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has taken its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Liebenberg, to court, suing him to recoup an amount of N$6.1 million that he allegedly misappropriated.
The embattled Liebenberg, who has been accused of economically sabotaging the state-owned entity, also has a criminal case opened against him and is under investigation for the disappearance of 900 cattle valued at N$7 million from Linden Beef Feedlots.
At his former place of employment, he faces 26 disciplinary charges related to the funds he is said to have misappropriated, ranging from fraud, sabotage, and forgery, among others. It is further alleged in the disciplinary charges that Liebenberg misappropriated company funds meant to pay cattle producers and falsified records of livestock transactions.
In the particulars of claim filed in the High Court, lawyer Norman Tjombe said that Liebenberg was responsible for the management of staff in the Livestock Production and Procurement department and for carrying out the decisions of Meatco.
“When rendering his services to the plaintiff, the defendant (Liebenberg) was required to ensure that his services were executed in good faith and that they in no way detracted from the relationship of trust that existed between the parties. The defendant was under a duty and obligation not to work against the interests of the plaintiff,” Tjombe said.
He added that during or about the period from 2024 to 2025, Liebenberg wrongfully, unlawfully, intentionally, and fraudulently, and without the knowledge or consent of Meatco, and contrary to his duties and obligations, defrauded, misappropriated, and/or stole funds from Meatco in the amount of N$6,161,657.08.
“The aforesaid conduct of the defendant came to the plaintiff’s knowledge during or about September to November 2025. In the premises, the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff in the amount of N$6,161,657.08. Notwithstanding demand, this summons constituting demand, the defendant failed, neglected, or refused to pay the plaintiff,” Meatco said.
Photos: File
