Windhoek, Namibia – André Compion, managing director of Fly Namibia, and Diethelm Metzger of Savannah Beef, along with the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), have issued a Writ of Execution against Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda. This legal action instructs the Deputy-Sheriff of Windhoek to seize Amupanda’s movable assets to recover N$91,440.69 in legal costs associated with the ongoing Red Line case.
According to the writ, the outstanding amount is subject to 20% interest per annum from April 10, 2024. The seized property will be auctioned to settle the debt.
The Red Line, officially known as the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF), is a biosecurity measure established in 1896 during the German colonial period. It serves as a barrier between northern communal areas and the commercial farming regions in the south, preventing the spread of animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The fence allows southern farmers to export beef to premium international markets while restricting the movement of livestock and raw meat from the north.
In May 2021, Job Amupanda filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Red Line, arguing that it is a colonial-era policy that discriminates against northern farmers and restricts economic opportunities. Amupanda’s legal action was triggered when veterinary officials confiscated raw meat worth N$1,000 from him at the Oshivelo checkpoint, citing Red Line regulations.
Amupanda is seeking a court order declaring the Red Line unconstitutional and demanding its removal. He argues that the fence violates citizens’ dignity and economic rights. However, the Namibian government, commercial farmers, and agricultural stakeholders maintain that the Red Line is essential for disease control and the protection of Namibia’s multi-billion-dollar beef export industry.
The High Court of Namibia ruled that Amupanda must cover legal costs incurred by the opposing parties in pre-trial proceedings. This ruling led to the issuance of the Writ of Execution, allowing for the seizure and auctioning of Amupanda’s assets to recover the outstanding debt.
The Red Line case continues to be a highly debated legal and political issue, with significant implications for Namibia’s agricultural policies, food security, and economic equity.
For further updates, stay tuned.
