Niël Terblanché
Farmers’ frustration over escalating stock theft and an inefficient criminal justice system took centre stage at a public hearing convened by the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs on 13 February.
The four leading agricultural unions joined forces to voice their concerns in parliament, urging authorities to take decisive action to address the growing crisis that threatens the sector’s sustainability.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU), Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers’ Union (NECFU), and the Previously Disadvantaged Commercial Farmers’ Union (PDCFU) presented a unified front in their submission to the committee.
The coalition’s testimony cast more light on the severe impact of stock theft on farming communities, productivity, and economic stability.
The hearing followed a motion submitted to Parliament calling for a review of the scale of stock theft and the effectiveness of existing laws in combating the crime.
Farmers argue that while local law enforcement, particularly investigating officers, collaborate effectively with Crime Prevention Forums (CPFs), the judicial system remains a stumbling block in achieving justice.
“Our joint view is that the criminal justice system is failing the farmers of Namibia,” the unions said in a joint statement.
The coalition pointed to frequent delays in court proceedings, lost dockets, poorly prepared prosecutors, and absent magistrates as key factors undermining efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
The unions warned that these shortcomings have created a climate of disillusionment among farmers, many of whom have stopped reporting cases altogether due to the lack of meaningful legal recourse.
The coalition urged lawmakers to consider a more effective judicial approach, proposing that stock theft cases be handled by the same specialised courts that deal with wildlife and environmental crimes.
They believe such a move could expedite case resolutions and bring much-needed relief to affected farmers.
“We propose that stock theft should also be handled by the same specialist courts who deal with wildlife and environmental crimes to get a grip on this serious issue,” the submission to the standing committee read.
Adding weight to the discussion, representatives from the Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC) attended the hearing and expressed interest in conducting a follow-up meeting to gain a deeper understanding of farmers’ experiences and proposed solutions.
Established in 1992, the LRDC plays a pivotal role in advising the government on legal reforms and is backed by the Ministry of Justice.
The NAU, which has been actively working with CPFs and Farmers’ Associations to track and report losses, sees the hearing as a critical step in bringing national attention to an issue that continues to cripple the agricultural sector.
“Farmers across the country incur huge losses daily, impacting productivity, growth, and wellbeing, which in turn negatively influences the agricultural output and earnings for Namibia,” the joint statement said.
The gathering also stressed the importance of community-driven crime prevention efforts.
Farmers’ unions expressed gratitude to individuals and CPFs who have been instrumental in reporting stock theft and contributing crime statistics to shape policy discussions.
“We wish to thank the individuals and the Crime Prevention Forums for submitting their crime statistics and input for solutions and their continuous efforts in curbing crime in our country,” the joint statement said.
With stock theft on the rise and legal frustrations mounting, farmers are called on the standing committee for urgent intervention.
