By Tracy Tafirenyika | 1 July 2025
Meatco is under pressure to explain the disappearance of 400 head of cattle worth N$7 million from a feedlot linked to a suspected drug dealer.
The animals were allegedly stolen by David van der Linden, a businessman who was contracted to feed and care for the animals before slaughtering and processing.
Van der Linden made recent headlines after being arrested in connection with a N$52-million dagga plantation on farm Eendrag between Hochfeld and Osire in the Khomas region.
This was confirmed by Meatco’s acting chief executive, Patrick Liebenberg, who has confirmed that a case of stock theft has been opened against Van der Linden.
Linden Beef Feedlot entered into a feeding contract with Meatco in 2023 during the tenure of former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji.
According to the contract, Van der Linden’s company would collect cattle from communal farmers in regions south of the veterinary cordon fence (redline).
However, Liebenberg says a shortage of animals was reported on 1 May during a scheduled pre-arranged ear tag scanning session.
The matter has captured the interest of Meatco’s shareholders, with the executive director of finance, Michael Humavindu, demanding a detailed report.
“The incident was reported, and further management actions followed as per the attached timeline of events.
A second and final pre-arranged counting and ear tag scanning session on 20 to 23 May 2025 yielded a shortage of cattle at the Linden Beef Feedlot,” Liebenberg said in a report dated 25 June, which The Namibian has seen.
Liebenberg said the incident on 25 May, when the lost cattle were reported, is a criminal matter which does not involve Meatco staff.
“It is a clear case of stock theft and unauthorised removal of Meatco cattle from the registered establishment. Meatco’s remaining biological stock is still at farm Eendrag.
“Meatco is busy with the police and a lawyer to remove all cattle to another feeding establishment. Meatco will use a commercial lawyer appointed through the public procurement process to pursue further the stock theft case against Mr David van der Linden.
“Mr Van der Linden is currently being held in the Okahandja prison, so Meatco’s engagement in the case will continue through the lawyers,” he said.
This comes at a time when the already struggling Meatco has been in the news for not making a profit and constantly being bailed out by the government.
Former Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua recently stepped down as a result of unlawful government directives that were not in the state-owned meat company’s best interests.
His resignation comes at a time when there appears to be a campaign to oust Liebenberg by investigating him over the disappearance of the 400 head of cattle.
FINGERS POINTING INWARDS
Allegations have, however, been made that Meatco officials are involved.
Liebenberg yesterday confirmed that 400 animals have gone missing.
“Only 400 cattle are gone,” he said, adding that the case is with the police.
“The case was reported to the stock theft unit of the Namibian Police for investigation as stated. I am aware of Mr Van der Linden’s arrest on dagga charges.
“The summarised report was sent from my office on request from the executive director of finance. Obviously the document was leaked once again on purpose to do damage,” he said.
Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkusa previously issued an urgent letter to Meatco demanding an explanation for the missing animals.
The cattle allegedly went missing under the watch of Liebenberg. Some sources suggest the incident is a front to remove Liebenberg from his position.
Mkusa suggested this in a letter seen by The Namibian and addressed to Humavindu on 24 June.
“I write to request a formal briefing and explanation from your esteemed office regarding recent public reports alleging the disappearance of approximately 400 head of cattle from Meatco,” the letter says.
According to Mkusa, the livestock disappearance has caused public concern.
“Given Meatco’s strategic role in the livestock and meat industry and its oversight relationship with your ministry, the reported incident has triggered serious public concern relating to corporate accountability at Meatco.
“The alleged disappearance of such a large number of cattle under the watch of a state-owned enterprise is wholly unacceptable.
If it is a fact, it reflects a potential breakdown in internal controls and governance mechanisms, which must be urgently addressed to preserve public trust and uphold institutional integrity,” she said in the letter.
The letter adds: “In this regard, I request an urgent written briefing on the matter. Given the gravity of the matter, I kindly request that your briefing be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister by Wednesday, 25 June 2025.”
