This archive of published media articles about wildlife crime in Namibia aims to:
Public access to information is a vital component of ensuring community engagement in prevalent issues. Wildlife crime is one of the pressing environmental issues of our time.
Wildlife crime investigations are generally covert operations requiring utmost confidentiality to succeed. Investigations and prosecutions in complex cases may take months or even years to complete. For this reason, the information that can be released to the public without compromising cases is often limited. Nonetheless, the Namibian government strives to share as much information as possible with the public.
The Namibian media has welcomed this approach and regularly publishes statistics and feature articles on wildlife crime. These are entered into the database at regular intervals, creating a comprehensive archive of wildlife crime reporting in Namibia.
Explore your search results using the filter checkboxes, or amend your search or start a new search.
The Game Product Trust Fund (GPTF) has become increasingly important in protecting wildlife due to a lack of funding from government. The GPTF has committed funding of more than N$5.58 million to several activities in the environment and tourism sector during the 2018/19 financial year. This information is contained in the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia 2018/19 annual report that has just been made public. "The GPTF's role has become more important than ever. It has stepped in and filled the void that has been left by a lack of funding from the government.
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NAM_2020-08_NAD5_5m for wildlife protection_Namibian Sun.pdf | 405.54 KB |
Eight suspects were arrested last week in connection with wildlife crimes. These suspects were arrested in three separate cases and a total of five illegal wildlife products were seized, which included a lion skin, three leopard skins and a live pangolin.
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NAM_2020-08_Eight arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 281.26 KB |
Thirteen suspects have been arrested for wildlife crimes and six new cases were opened within the past two weeks. A total of 19 illegal wildlife products were confiscated in these crimes, according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resource division within the safety and security ministry. Five vehicles were also seized.
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NAM_2020-07_13 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 287.08 KB |
Intelligence Support Against Poaching (ISAP) recently held a course on how to handle a poaching scene correctly. The animal crime scene and evidence handling course took place from 16 to 19 July, and was presented by Wildlife Vets Namibia. Participants included veterinarians, lodge managers, wildlife farmers, members of crime prevention forums, hunting farm owners, students and representatives of the tourism industry.
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NAM_2020-07_Securing a poaching scene_Namibian Sun.pdf | 420.05 KB |
Ten suspects were arrested recently in connection with wildlife crimes and four new cases have been registered. Seven of the suspects were arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking cases, while another suspect was arrested in connection with a rhino poaching case.
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NAM_2020-07_10 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 297.56 KB |
“The Mexico case showed a discrepancy between the exporter and importer data – Namibia registered an export of nine elephants while Mexico claimed it received 18. Interestingly, the exports were conducted under an Appendix I listing, even though elephants in Namibia are listed in Appendix II.” It was pointed out in the report that the annotation for the Appendix II listing specifies that trade in live elephants from Namibia is strictly for “in situ conservation programmes”, meaning no live elephants may be exported beyond their natural range.
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NAM_2020-07_Namibias trade in live elephants 2nd in Africa_Namibian Sun.pdf | 403.97 KB |
Tien verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem in verband met wildmisdaad en vier nuwe sake is aanhangig gemaak. Sewe van die verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem vir olifantstropery of -handel, terwyl ’n ander verdagte gearresteer is in verband met renosterstropery.
Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with game crime and four new cases have been filed. Seven of the suspects were arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking, while another suspect was arrested in connection with rhino poaching.
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NAM_2020-07_10 vas vir wildmisdaad_Republikein.pdf | 347.67 KB |
NAM_2020-07_10 arrested for wildlife crime_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 245.51 KB |
Annual illicit income generated from ivory and rhino horn trafficking between 2016 and 2018 was estimated at US$400 million and US$230 million respectively. The illegal global trade in ivory and rhino horn has declined, while trafficking of pangolins has soared, according to a United Nations report based on four years of data.
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NAM_2020-07_Demand for ivory rhino horn drops_Namibian Sun.pdf | 385.99 KB |
Two new cases of wildlife crime were reported last week and three suspects were arrested, while two men found guilty of the illegal possession of a live pangolin were fined N$20 000 or 48 months in prison. Four illegal wildlife products were also seized, which included one elephant tail and three live tortoises.
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NAM_2020-07_Hefty fines for pangolin smuggling_Namibian Sun.pdf | 294.64 KB |
Four new dogs will be imported from the Netherlands to beef up the environment ministry's anti-poaching dog unit, which has helped arrest suspects in 52 poaching cases so far. The four dogs at Waterberg are trained to search buildings, vehicles, luggage and open areas for firearms, ammunition and illegal wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales and bush meat.
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NAM_2020-07_Anti_poaching dog unit given teeth_Namibian Sun.pdf | 390.72 KB |
Namibia is experiencing a reduction in wildlife poaching incidents, while more arrests have been recorded. This is according to environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, who gave a breakdown of rhino, elephant and pangolin poaching incidents and arrests dating back to 2018. This year, 17 rhinos have been poached, compared to 46 last year and 78 in 2018. A total of 89 suspects has been arrested for rhino poaching cases this year, compared to 175 last year and 109 in 2018. Shifeta said 15 rhino horns have been seized this year, compared to eight last year and 16 in 2018.
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NAM_2020-07_Poaching incidents declining_Namibian Sun.pdf | 309.68 KB |
Local organisations supporting conservation in Namibia have seen their budgets slashed by up to 30%, as the coronavirus pandemic significantly impacts the world's economy. Among these organisations are Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT), Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) and the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), which provide critical field-based support to trackers and rhino rangers.
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NAM_2020-07_B2Gold project steps in to save rhinos_Namibian sun.pdf | 396.59 KB |
Die Finansiële Aksie-taakmag beskryf in sy eerste verslag oor wildmisdaad dit as 'n internasionale bedreiging wat verbind kan word met georganiseerde misdaad soos slawerny, dwelm- en wapensmokkelary. Volgens die verslag is daar 'n gebrek aan fokus op die finansiële aspek van wildmisdaad en stel voor alle regerings moet wette op geldwassery implementeer. Die studie se bevindings is gebaseer op die insette van 50 lande, Namibië ingesluit, wat lid is van die Oostelike en Suider-Afrika Teengeldwasserygroep (ESAAMLG). 'n Totaal van 22 uit 45 lande het aangedui dat hulle…
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NAM_2020-07_Optrede teen wildstropery nodig_Republikein.pdf | 350.11 KB |
NAM_2020-07_Action against poaching needed_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 350.51 KB |
FATF-Mitgliedsländer sollen illegalen Wildtierhandel bestrafen In einem ersten globalen Bericht über den illegalen Handel mit Wildtieren hat die Arbeitsgruppe für Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung von Geldwäsche und Terrorismusfinanzierung (Financial Action Task Force, FATF) diesen als globale Bedrohung beschrieben, vergleichbar mit organisierten Verbrechen wie Sklaverei, Drogen- und Waffenhandel.
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NAM_2020-07_Wildtierkriminalitat im Fokus_Allgemeine Zeitung.pdf | 263.32 KB |
NAM_2020-07_Focus on wildlife crime_Allgemeine Zeitung_Eng.pdf | 261.96 KB |
In its first global report on the illegal wildlife trade, the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT) has described it as a global threat with links to other organised crimes such as slavery, drug trafficking and the arms trade. The report expressed concern over the lack of focus on the financial aspects of wildlife crime and suggested that all member governments should apply money-laundering laws. The findings of the study are based on inputs from countries in 50 jurisdictions, including Namibia, which is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering…
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NAM_2020-07_Illegal wildlife trade must be punished_Namibian Sun.pdf | 303.25 KB |
Nine suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and four new cases were registered last week. Four of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking, while one suspect was arrested and charged with elephant poaching. This is according to the latest statistics provided by the intelligence and investigation unit in the environment ministry and the protected resource division within the safety and security ministry. A total of seven wildlife products were seized, which included a rhino horn, five elephant tusks and a…
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NAM_2020-07_Nine arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 300.18 KB |
An attempt by Prophet Jackson Babi to bribe the detective investigating poaching charges against him to bear false testimony in court during his formal bail application, has caused the man of God to sink deeper into legal trouble. Besides an amount of N$13 000 in cash police officers searching the cells during the past weekend also found two mobile phones in the possession of the accused persons while they were incarcerated at the Windhoek Police Station which added even more charges to the accused persons’ charge sheets.
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NAM_2020-06_Prophet appears on attempted bribery charge_Informante.pdf | 289.79 KB |
While only two new cases of wildlife crimes were reported recently, eight suspects were arrested and charged. At Katima Mulilo, Roster Mazila Mukendwa was arrested on 14 June for the illegal hunting of protected game. He was found in possession of a duiker carcass and charged with contravening the Nature Conservation Ordinance Act. In a separate incident, Gerhard Iyambo was arrested on 17 June at Okahao in connection with an old case, dating back to February, regarding conspiring to hunt a rhino.
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NAM_2020-06_Eight arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 282.91 KB |
A total of five wildlife products were seized: two oryx carcasses, a pangolin skin and two aardvark carcasses.
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NAM_2020-06_Ten arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 283.7 KB |
A rhino horn, two elephant tusks, a pangolin skin and a crocodile skin were seized by the police last week. Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking and two for elephant poaching or trafficking. Five wildlife products were seized: a rhino horn, two elephant tusks, a pangolin skin and a crocodile skin.
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NAM_2020-06_17 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 235.64 KB |
An urgent application by self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Babi to, amongst others, review and set aside his arrest in connection with rhino poaching was withdrawn yesterday. The High Court application was filed by his lawyer Kadhila Amoomo on 4 June. However, Magistrate Linus Samunzala last week ordered Babi to be transferred to the Gobabis Magistrate's Court to appear on a charge of hunting specially protected game.
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NAM_2020-06_Babi withdraws urgent High Court application_Namibian Sun.pdf | 327.08 KB |
Ten wildlife products were seized, which included six rhino horns, two elephant tusks and two giraffe carcasses. A total of seven new wildlife crimes were reported recently, while 16 suspects were arrested. Eleven of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching and/or trafficking cases, while two others were arrested for elephant poaching and/or trafficking.
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NAM_2020-06_16 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 198.26 KB |
Followers of self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Babi yesterday formed a human shield around him during his latest appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court. Babi (30) left the court surrounded by his supporters, who pushed reporters away and grabbed cameras to prevent photos being taken of him. Although the matter was set down for a bail application yesterday, the defence decided to apply for bail at a later stage.
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NAM_2020-06_Groupies form human shield around_Namibian Sun.pdf | 291.88 KB |
Four of the eight suspects arrested in connection with the alleged poaching of two rhino horns near Gobabis appeared in the Otjiwarongo Regional Court in camera yesterday.
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NAM_2020_05_Poaching suspects appear in camera_Namibian Sun.pdf | 71.58 KB |
Two elephants have been killed within a week of each other. One of the animals was killed during an illegal hunt, while the other was killed to address human-wildlife-conflict. It is suspected that an elephant found dead at a farm in the Ndonga Linena constituency in Kavango East last week was first shot somewhere else. The carcass of the elephant was discovered last Tuesday at Farm Nanava, approximately 90km southeast of Rundu.
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NAM_2020-05_Two elephants killed within a week_Namibian Sun.pdf | 413.95 KB |
Four suspects believed to be part of a rhino poaching gang were granted N$5 000 bail each last week. Three suspects were arrested last week for wildlife crimes in two separate cases. Two of the suspects were arrested in connection with elephant poaching and/or trafficking cases. This is according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit in the environment ministry and the protected resources division in the safety and security ministry. During operations, police also seized one firearm and four rounds of ammunition.
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NAM_2020-05_112 porcupine skins seized_NamibianSun.pdf | 396.78 KB |
Eight wildlife products were seized, which included six elephant tusks and two leopard skins. Six suspects were arrested and charged for wildlife crimes recently, while three new cases were registered. Two of the suspects were arrested for rhino poaching and/or trafficking cases while two others were arrested for elephant poaching and/or trafficking cases.
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NAM_2020-05_Tusks_Leopard skins seized_Namibian Sun.pdf | 281.35 KB |
Five of the suspects were arrested for rhino poaching and/or trafficking cases, while two wildlife products, five firearms and 63 rounds of ammunition were seized during operations.
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NAM_2020-04_Seven arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 299.29 KB |
For the second week, statistics indicate that only one wildlife crime has been recorded per week. The tightening of anti-poaching security measures during the coronavirus state of emergency is paying off, with only one new wildlife crime case registered last week, while two suspects were arrested.
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NAM_2020-04_Anti-poaching measures pay off_NamibianSun.pdf | 302.22 KB |
A Chinese national was granted bail last week in a poaching case involving two rhino horns.
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NAM_2020-04_Poachers nabbed in Etosha_Namibian Sun.pdf | 190.1 KB |
Sixteen suspects have been arrested in recent days in connection with wildlife crimes and six new cases were registered. According to police statistics ten wildlife products were confiscated, and five firearms and one vehicle were seized. The wildlife products included four pieces of elephant ivory, a pangolin skin, two duiker carcasses, an impala carcass and a warthog carcass. On 5 March two Zambians, an Angolan and a Namibian were arrested at Kongola for illegally hunting protected game.
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NAM_2020-03_16 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 211.68 KB |
A Namibian man was arrested last week at Rundu for being in possession of 611 pangolin scales, five pieces of skin and one whole pangolin skin. A total of nine suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes last week and three new cases were registered.
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NAM_2020-03_Namibian caught with 611 pangolin scales_Namibian Sun.pdf | 204.33 KB |
Significant successes, including the arrest of 63 suspects for wildlife-related crimes, have been recorded by anti-poaching units in the Etosha National Park since February last year. This was revealed during a visit to Etosha by police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta and defence minister Penda Ya Ndakolo last Friday.
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NAM_2020-03_Anti poaching units shine at Etosha_Namibian Sun.pdf | 254 KB |
Six suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes recently and three new cases were opened. This is according to statistics provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources unit in the safety and security ministry.
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NAM_2020-03_Six arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 235.61 KB |
Thirteen suspects were arrested recently in connection with wildlife crimes, while five new cases were opened. According to statistics released by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources division in the safety and security ministry, a total of three illegal wildlife products were also seized.
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NAM_2020-02_13 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 132.83 KB |
Over the past ve years, there has been an overall decline in rhino and elephant poaching, with a major increase in arrests. This was shared yesterday by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta during his 2020 opening speech. Last year, a total of 45 rhinos were poached in comparison to 74 in 2018 and 55 in 2017. In 2016, 61 rhinos were poached, and 97 in 2015. According to Shifeta, two rhinos have been poached to date this year. As for elephants, 12 were poached last year, 27 in 2018 and 50 in 2017. In 2016, a total of 101 elephants were poached and 49 in 2015.
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NAM_2020-02_ Poaching declines_arrests increase_Namibia_Save the Elephants.pdf | 301.72 KB |
Several suspects, some of whom are repeat offenders, were arrested for wildlife crimes last week and five new cases were registered. According to statistics provided by police and the environment ministry, four wildlife products were also seized last week - one giraffe tail, a live pangolin, an eland carcass and one live tortoise. Of the nine suspects arrested, one is a Zambian national and the rest are Namibians. Two Namibians, Makushe Frans Limbare and Muronga Timoteus, were arrested last Tuesday at Ndiyona for the illegal hunting of an eland.
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NAM_2019-11_Repeat offenders arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 82.93 KB |
Sixteen suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes in the past week. Eight of the suspects are Namibians and the rest Zambians. Statistics provided by the Protected Resource Division of the Namibian police and the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of the environment ministry indicate that a total of 21 wildlife products were seized last week.
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NAM_2019-10_16 arrested for wildlife crime_Namibian Sun.pdf | 114.31 KB |
Namibia is among the countries with the lowest level of organised crime in Africa. This is according to a report by the Enact project, financed by the European Union (EU).
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NAM_2019-10_Organised crime low in Namibia_Namibian Sun.pdf | 93.49 KB |
One-hundred pieces of elephant tusk were seized and two suspects were arrested in Katutura during an operation by the Blue Rhino Task Team last week.
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NAM_2019-10_100 pieces of ivory confiscated_Namibian Sun.pdf | 106.78 KB |
A CIVIL servant in the employ of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture was arrested early on Wednesday morning after he attempted to flee from police who was tracking his movements because of his involvement in elephant poaching. The arrest of the education minister official follows an intricate undercover tracking operation launched by the Namibian Police and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the Zambezi Region. Zambezi Regional Crime Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Evans Simasiku told Informanté in an exclusive interview that the suspect…
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NAM_2019-07_Suspected poacher arrested while using government vehicle_Informante.pdf | 1.5 MB |
NINE men were arrested over the past for the poaching of protected wildlife species. This is according to environment ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, who stated that the suspects form part of the three newly registered wildlife criminal cases. It is alleged that Gideon Gao-Naseb, Timotheus Kasera and Champion Haraseb killed a rhino at the Omateva farm in the Omitara constituency. They now face charges of hunting of specially protected species and the removal of protected products. The trio was arrested on 20 August and have been remanded in custody.
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NAM_2019-08_Nine arrested for wildlife crimes_Informant.pdf | 318.89 KB |
A report that will be up for discussion at this week's World Wildlife Conference highlights inconsistencies in the exporting of rhino trophies from Namibia and says that 295 rhinos have been poached in Namibia between 2009 and 2018. It says the 44 rhinos that were poached in 2017 represented 1.5% of Namibia's rhino population. The 183 Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will adopt decisions and resolutions to expand and further strengthen the global wildlife trade regime at to be considered at the 18th…
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2019_08_Cites concerned about poaching_Environment_Namibian Sun.pdf | 101.85 KB |
A total of 19 suspects were arrested for wildlife crimes during August with six new cases that were registered this month. This is according to wildlife crime statistics compiled by the Intelligence and Investigation Unit in the environment ministry and the Protected Resources Division in the Namibian Police. Statistics show that out of the 19 suspects arrested, two suspects were arrested for rhino poaching and or trafficking crimes (including cases of conspiracy of rhino poaching). Furthermore wildlife products that were seized included two live pangolin, one…
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NAM_2019-08_19 arrested for wildlife crime_Namibian Sun_0.pdf | 103.93 KB |
A total of 19 suspects were arrested for wildlife crimes during August with six new cases that were registered this month. This is according to wildlife crime statistics compiled by the Intelligence and Investigation Unit in the environment ministry and the Protected Resources Division in the Namibian Police. Statistics show that out of the 19 suspects arrested, two suspects were arrested for rhino poaching and or trafficking crimes (including cases of conspiracy of rhino poaching).
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NAM_2019-08_19 arrested for wildlife crime_Namibian Sun.pdf | 103.93 KB |
A man, who stands accused of poaching two rhinos along with four other men on a private farm in the area of Kamanjab in December last year, was granted bail in the amount of N$18 000 this morning. Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala found that the 35-year-old George Nanyeni only role in the crime was that he transported his four co-accused, who actually slaughtered the rhinos, away from the crime scene.
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NAM_2019-07_Poacher gets N$18 000 bail_Informante.pdf | 397.34 KB |
Four Chinese men, who were originally handed 14-year sentences for wildlife crimes, including rhino horn smuggling, had the shock of their lives when their appeal ended with the High Court also convicting and sentencing them for money laundering.
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NAM_2019-04_Appeal backfires_Namibian Sun.pdf | 97.69 KB |
Countries that make up the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) need to provide for specialist prosecutors that have knowledge about all wildlife crime-related legislation and the appropriate prosecution of offenders. This was the view of deputy environment minister Bernadette Jagger at the KAZA-TFCA Regional Judiciary and Prosecutors Workshop that is taking place in Windhoek.
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2019_02_Trans_boundary wildlife crime training_Environment_Namibian Sun.pdf | 112.79 KB |
A medical doctor who was arrested for the illegal possession of elephant tusks has been granted bail in the amount of N$50 000 during a brief appearance in the Windhoek magistrate’s court. Dr. Thomas van Wyk handed himself over to the police after his friends informed the police that he had three tusks at his Auasblick home. The 44-year-old Van Wyk is employed as a medical doctor at the Namibia Oncology Centre in Windhoek. He has over 15 years of experience in a variety of medical fields.
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NAM_2019-01_Doctor freed on bail_Informante.pdf | 524.84 KB |
A Windhoek oncologist has been granted N$50 000 bail by the Windhoek Magistrate's Court after he was arrested at the weekend for the illegal possession of three elephant tusks.
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NAM_2019-01_Oncologist granted N$50 000 bail_Namibian Sun.pdf | 100.17 KB |