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Namibian Wildlife Crimes article archive

This archive of published media articles about wildlife crime in Namibia aims to:

  • provide easy public access to published information and statistics
  • enable easy stakeholder access to articles
  • provide a comprehensive archive of wildlife crime reporting in Namibia

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.

Displaying results 51 - 100 of 292
Thursday, 20 July 2023
Smit E 2023. Namibia wird zur Schmuggel-Route.

Namibia ist zu einem Kanal für den Abalone-Schmuggel (Meeresschnecke) von Südafrika nach China geworden. Sie gilt als eine der teuersten Meeresfrüchtearten weltweit. Zahlreiche Abalone-Arten kommen in den Weltmeeren vor, wobei die südafrikanische Abalone (Haliotis midae), auch Perlemoen- balone genannt, als eine der besten gilt. "Diese Art ist an ihrer Größe und den tiefen, strahlenden Lamellen auf ihrem Panzer zu erkennen", heißt es im Bericht der "Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement in Namibia" für 2022.

Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Smit E 2023. Schuppentier-DNA soll illegalen Handel aufdecken.

Momentan werden DNA-Daten von Schuppentieren in Namibia gesammelt, die dabei helfen sollen, geschmuggelte Schuppentiere aufzuspüren und das Ausmaß des internationalen, illegalen Handels festzustellen.

DNA data is currently being collected from pangolins in Namibia to help identify smuggled pangolins and the extent of the international illegal trade.

Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Reiter C 2023. Wilderei nimmt einfach keine Ende.

Männer stehlen Schuppentiere, Schafe, Oryxantilopen und Rinder.

Men steal pangolins, sheep, oryx antelope and cattle.

Monday, 17 July 2023
Reiter C 2023. Wildtierverbrechen häufen sich.

Die Initiativen zur Bekämpfung der Wilderei konnten laut einem kürzlich veröffentlichten Bericht 75 Verdächtige in 106 Fällen von Nashornwilderei im Jahr 2022 festnehmen. Im gleichen Jahr wurden landesweit so viele Nashörner gewildert wie seit 2015 nicht mehr, so der Bericht "National Report on Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement in Namibia".

Sunday, 16 July 2023
2023. Four men arrested with 649 units of abalone.

Four suspects are expected in the Atlantis Magistrate's court after they were nabbed with abalone in their car following a high speed chase at the weekend. Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the Atlantis Crime Prevention Unit responded to information early Saturday morning. “When they located the suspicious vehicle, they ordered the driver to stop.

Sunday, 16 July 2023
Bhuta S 2023. Two suspects arrested after being found with R3 million worth of abalone.

Johannesburg - Two suspects were arrested in Gqeberha on Friday after their vehicle was found loaded with 3275 units of wet abalone. It is estimated that the abalone is worth R3 million.

Friday, 14 July 2023
2023. Two nabbed in Northern Cape for possession of protected plants.

The Hawks in Springbok arrested a duo for being in possession of Conophytum with an estimated value of R168,435. Two suspects, aged 22 and 28, were arrested on Thursday, by a multiple disciplinary team composed of Springbok DPCI, Upington counter-narcotics, Steinkopf SAPS, and Namakwa public order policing.

Thursday, 13 July 2023
Kipke T 2023. Endemische Pflanzen bedroht.

Nationalpark Sperrgebiet: Sorge um seltene Pflanzen ist groß. Im Nationalpark Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) gibt es Pflanzen, die sonst nirgends auf der Welt zu finden sind. Wissenschaftlerin Antje Burke bangt um die Zukunft der Endemiten. Durch Tourismus, Bergbau und Pflanzenwilderei könnten sie aussterben. 

Sunday, 2 July 2023
2023. Hawks arrest foreign national for dealing in pangolin scales in Durban.

Durban - The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested a 35-year-old man for dealing in a protected species without a permit. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said that on Thursday Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested Sifiso Magagula for dealing in African pangolin without a permit.

Wednesday, 28 June 2023
Sadike M 2023. Kruger National Park conservation efforts see number of rhino increase.

Pretoria - The number of rhino in the Kruger National Park has increased. This after the use of technology and sniffer dogs to deter poaching. In the past financial year, the park reported about 180 cases of rhino poaching, a decrease of 45% compared with previous years. Security camera were installed and 12 more installations are expected.

Wednesday, 28 June 2023
2023. Warrant of arrest for suspect who skipped court after abalone bust.

Cape Town - A warrant of arrest has been issued for a Chinese national who was due to appear in court this week in connection with a R2million abalone bust.

Tuesday, 27 June 2023
Reiter C 2023. Schuppentierpanzer beschlagnahmt.

Am vergangenen Freitag wurde ein 43-Jähriger bei Outapi verhaftet. Dem Polizeibericht zufolge wurde der Mann im Besitz eines Pangolinpanzers gefunden, den er verkaufen wollte. Der Mann soll vor Gericht erscheinen und die polizeilichen Ermittlungen gehen weiter. Ferner wird behauptet, dass ein Bericht eingegangen ist, dass eine Elenantilope im Wert von 13 000 N$ im Mayuni-Hegegebiet in der Sambesi-Region von einem unbekannten Verdächtigen gejagt und getötet wurde; die polizeilichen Ermittlungen dauern an.

Friday, 23 June 2023
2023. Two suspects got arrested in possession of abalone worth R1.7 million.

Cape Town - The City's Law Enforcement unit continues to arrest suspects for illegal poaching, a crime that, according to Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith, has been linked with firearms and drugs in the Western Cape. Two suspects found in possession of abalone worth an estimated R1.7 million were arrested on Tuesday following a car search by the City's law enforcement team on the R300 highway.

Monday, 19 June 2023
Reiter C 2023. Schuppentier-Dame gerettet und freigelassen.

Die "Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation" konnte ein weiteres Schuppentier, das in der vergangenen Woche beschlagnahmt wurde, freilassen. "Das Tier war glücklicherweise in einem so guten Zustand, dass das Team alles stehen und liegen ließ, um zu ihr zu eilen und sicherzustellen, dass sie sofort freigelassen werden konnte." Das Tier wog gesunde 10,25 kg und wurde anhand der Größe und des Abnutzungsmusters ihrer Schuppen auf zwischen 5 bis 10 Jahre geschätzt.

Monday, 19 June 2023
Reiter C 2023. Zwei Wilderer verhaftet.

Laut der namibischen Polizei wurden am vergangenen Mittwochnachmittag ein 24-Jähriger und ein 27-Jähriger wegen Illegalenr Jagd auf Wildtiere in der Nähe von Otavi verhaftet. Es wurden zwei Oryx-Köpfe, ein dazugehörendes Fell sowie ein Kopf und die Haut eines Kudus im Wert von 28 000 N$ beschlagnahmt. Das Fleisch wurde unter einem Baum hängend gefunden, wo die Verdächtigen kampierten.

Monday, 19 June 2023
2023. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment clamps down on abalone poaching.

Cape Town - As abalone and crayfish poaching continued unabated in the Overstrand, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has deployed additional resources to fight the scourge. On June 2, authorities found 4 108 abalone, with an estimated street value of R2 million, abandoned in a vehicle in 7th Street in Voëlklip, Hermanus.

Thursday, 15 June 2023
Major victory in rhino poaching war.

Johannesburg - The Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Makhanda imposed heavy prison sentences on six Zimbabwean nationals in what game reserve owners in the Eastern Cape have called a major breakthrough in the war against rhino poaching syndicates. In sentencing the six, Judge GH Bloem referred to the men as a well-organised group of criminals, arrested after stellar investigation by the SAPS, in particular Captain Morné Viljoen of the Eastern Cape Stock Theft Unit. Viljoen and his team, acting on information, apprehended the poachers while they were travelling on the…

Wednesday, 14 June 2023
Marriah-Maharaj J 2023. PICS: Two arrested as police recover abalone worth R3m after high speed chase with Nissan Navara.

Durban - Two men were arrested and charged for illegal possession of abalone worth R3 million after a high speed chase between police and a Nissan Navara, Eastern Cape police said.

Wednesday, 14 June 2023
2023. Suspects in possession of R1.2 million worth of abalone arrested in Century City.

Cape Town - Two men have been charged with possession of abalone after they were caught red-handed with R1.2 million worth of abalone at a house in Century City.

Wednesday, 31 May 2023
Maromo J 2023. R200 000 pangolin sale: Four arrested while selling endangered animals at Mahikeng Mall.

Pretoria - At least four people have been arrested by the Hawks in North West while they were selling two pangolins at a mall. Spokesperson for the Hawks in North West, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, said the two pangolins were being sold for R200 000.

Tuesday, 30 May 2023
2023. Foreign national bust with over R3 million abalone in Cape Town.

Cape Town - A foreign national is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Wednesday after he was found in possession of abalone worth over R634 000.

Saturday, 20 May 2023
2023. 'Pangolin dealer' intercepted and arrested while on his way to sell endangered animal in Limpopo.

Pretoria - A man was arrested in Limpopo for possession of a pangolin, valued at R150 000, while he was on his way to sell the endangered animal.

Sunday, 14 May 2023
van der Walt I-M 2023. Mutmaßlicher Wilderer mit Schuss ins Bein.

Die Verdächtigen sollen versucht haben, zu Fuß in verschiedene Richtungen zu fliehen, und dabei sollen Warnschüsse abgegeben worden sein. Einer der Schüsse soll einen der Verdächtigen getroffen haben. Er wurde ins Krankenhaus gebracht, und die Polizei beschlagnahmte die Elefantenstoßzähne, die die Verdächtigen angeblich gewildert hatten.

Monday, 8 May 2023
Reiter C 2023. Fünfzehn Nashörner bisher gewildert.

In diesem Jahr wurden bisher fünfzehn Nashörner gewildert, verglichen mit 77 im Jahr 2022 und 45 im Jahr 2021. Beim jüngsten Vorfall wurde ein Spitzmaulnashorn zwischen dem 1. und 28. April auf einer privaten Farm bei Grootfontein gewildert. Der Nashornkadaver wurde offenbar erst in der vergangenen Woche entdeckt. Untersuchungen deuten darauf hin, dass das Tier zweimal mit einem Jagdgewehr geschossen wurde. Der Sprecher des Umweltministeriums, Romeo Muyunda, bestätigte den Vorfall und erklärte, dass die Ermittlungen noch andauern und es noch keine Verhaftungen gegeben habe.

Sunday, 7 May 2023
2023. Hunt for suspected rhino poacher who fled on foot after abandoning a package near George.

Cape Town - The Oudtshoorn stock theft and endangered species unit is investigating a case of illegal hunting of endangered species after a rhino horn was seized by police on the N2 near George on Wednesday. Following a high-speed pursuit with police, a car reportedly stopped just outside of George and dumped a package containing a rhino horn.

Wednesday, 3 May 2023
2023. Not gone fishing, gone to jail: Two held over abalone poaching.

Collaboration between SAPS Cookhouse and Graaff-Reinet members saw the arrest of two men in connection with the discovery of abalone worth over R3 million on Tuesday night. Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu said at about 7pm, SAPS Cookhouse highway patrol members received information of a blue Toyota Camry and a Porsche Cayenne pulling a trailer, travelling on the R75 from Kariega towards Graaff-Reinet with illegal abalone.

Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Duba S 2023. Trio of rhino KNP poachers handed prison terms totalling over 100 years.

Zwelithini Mathebula 37, and Lucky Mhlongo 39, were sentenced to 34 years' imprisonment while their co-accused Teddy Dlamini 37, was sentenced to 39 years' imprisonment. NPA regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, said that the three culprits were arrested in November 2019, along with their two co-accused who absconded after they were granted bail. The three were convicted of killing three rhinos, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of ammunition, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Hlati O 2023. Hawks smell something fishy: 6 held in abalone bust.

Cape Town - Swift response by the Hawks National Intervention Unit (NIU) following a tip-off has led to the arrest of six suspects in connection with the discovery of abalone worth more than R2.8 million. The suspects, aged between 26 and 60, were expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's court on Tuesday morning facing charges relating to possession of abalone and managing a drying facility.

Friday, 14 April 2023
Smit E 2023. Acht Festnahmen wegen Nashornwilderei über Ostern.

Mindestens acht Verdächtige wurden über das Osterwochenende bei zwei verschiedenen Vorfällen im Zusammenhang mit der Wilderei von Nashörnern festgenommen. Nach Angaben des Sprechers des Umweltministeriums, Romeo Muyunda, wurden zwei Verdächtige am 6. April auf der Straße zwischen Tsumeb und Otavi an einer mobilen Straßensperre festgenommen, weil sie illegal in den Etosha-Nationalpark eingedrungen waren, um Nashörner zu jagen. In ihrem Besitz wurden zwei frische Nashornhörner gefunden, die von den Strafverfolgungsbehörden unter der Leitung des Blue Rhino Task Team beschlagnahmt…

Thursday, 13 April 2023
Hattingh E 2023. Syndikate diversifizieren illegale Aktivitäten.

Die Strafverfolgungsbehörden in Namibia, Mosambik und Sambia werden immer aufmerksamer, wenn es um den illegalen Schmuggel von u. a. Abalonen (Meeresschnecken) durch ihre Länder geht. Denn es mehren sich die Hinweise, dass dieselben Unternehmen und Personen, die in diesen Schmuggel verwickelt sind, auch an der Ausfuhr anderer illegaler Wildprodukte und weiteren illegalen Aktivitäten beteiligt sind. Demnach scheinen verschiedene Formen der Kriminalität mit dem illegalen Handel von Wildtieren zusammenzuhängen.

Thursday, 13 April 2023
Francke R-L 2023. Prison escapee rearrested at private game reserve is back in court.

Cape Town - A 34-year-old man, who escaped from the Makhanda Correctional Facility in October 2022, appeared in court on new charges. "The suspect was found in possession of hunting implements, and was detained for contravening the National Environmental Management and Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 Sec 57 (attempted hunting of a threatened or protected species without a permit).

Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Reiter C 2023. Im Besitz von Schuppentierschuppen.

Die Polizei in Omusati hat einen 28-jährigen Mann verhaftet, der versuchte, Schuppentierschuppen an einen verdeckten Ermittler in Outapi zu verkaufen. Dem Verdächtigen wird vorgeworfen, im Besitz von und Handel mit kontrollierten Wildtierprodukten ohne Genehmigung einer zuständigen Behörde zu sein.

Police in Omusati have arrested a 28-year-old man who tried to sell pangolin scales to an undercover agent in Outapi. The suspect is accused of possessing and trading in controlled wildlife products without authorization from an appropriate authority.

Friday, 31 March 2023
Ngema T 2023. Good Samaritan to the rescue after confiscating a poached grey duiker.

Durban - A Good Samaritan came to the rescue of a poached duiker when he confiscated the animal from its poacher. The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) reported that on Sunday it received a call from a concerned member of the public from Hammarsdale, who informed them that he had confiscated a male grey duiker as it was a victim of poaching.

Friday, 31 March 2023
2023. NSPCA removes 3 illegally kept lions in Randfontein, person could face fine of R10m.

Durban - A Randfontein homeowner who was charged with illegally keeping three lions on his property could face jail time or a fine of up to R10 million. The NSPCA said they been contacted by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) regarding the illegal possession and captivity of three lions at a property in Randfontein. Keshvi Nair, NSPCA public relations officer, said they and Randwest SPCA carried out an inspection at the property on March 22. A joint operation between the NSPCA, Randwest SPCA, Isindile Big Cat and Predator…

Monday, 27 March 2023
Melapi S 2023. Abalone poachers plead guilty in Cape Town Magistrate's Court.

Cape Town - Four men from Milnerton pleaded guilty and were sentenced following their arrest for the possession of abalone valued at more than R4.8 million.

Monday, 20 March 2023
Maromo J 2023. Woman rhino poacher jailed for 16 years.

Pretoria - A woman involved in rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park was on Friday jailed for 16 years by the Skukuza Regional Court.

Friday, 17 March 2023
Hattingh E 2023. Zwei "Nashorn-Wilderer" festgenommen.

Zwei Männer wurden gestern gegen 09:00 Uhr in der Region Dordabis festgenommen, nachdem sie auf einer Farm zwei Spitzmaulnashörner, eine Kuh und ein Kalb, gewildert haben sollen. Die Verdächtigen waren im Besitz eines Jagdgewehrs und von 15 Kugeln, von denen drei bereits verwendet worden waren. Außerdem wurden zwei Nashornhörner gefunden. Die Nashörner haben einen Wert von jeweils rund 500 000 N$. Die Männer wurden wegen verschiedener Vergehen angeklagt, unter anderem wegen der Jagd auf geschützte Wildtiere und des Besitzes von nicht zugelassenen Waffen.

Friday, 17 March 2023
2023. Wildlife security guard killed two rhinos, then his accomplice to avoid sharing R1million loot.

The High Court in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced 36- year-old Bethuel Mdubane to 24 years effective imprisonment for an assortment of crimes including murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and hunting and shooting two rhinos. Additionally, Mdubane was also sentenced for unlawful possession of stolen car, two counts of possession of ammunition, and three counts of unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.

Friday, 24 February 2023
Reiter C 2023. Wilderei gemeldet.

In der vergangenen Woche wurde ein 69-Jähriger im Dorf Iitatu in der Omusati Region im Besitz von zwei lebender Schildkröten ohne Genehmigung angetroffen. Der Mann wurde verhaftet und soll vor Gericht erscheinen. Am gleichen Tag sollen bekannte Verdächtige auf der Farm Moutonsvlei bei Klein Aub einer Ziege und einem Schaf die Kehle durchgeschnitten haben. Der Wert der Tiere mit mit 6 000 N$ angegeben. Sie wurden nicht festgenommen, da sie vom Tatort fliehen konnten.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023
2023. Besserer Schutz für bedrohte Nashörner.

Der Save The Rhino Trust (SRT) hat im vergangenen Jahr im Auftrag des Ministeriums für Umwelt, Forstwirtschaft und Tourismus (MEFT) seine Arbeit im Nyae Nyae-Schutzgebiet im Nordosten des Landes aufgenommen. Das Gebiet grenzt an den Khaudum-Nationalpark, in dem das MEFT nun mit Unterstützung des SRT hofft, den Schutz der Spitzmaulnashörner verbessern zu können. Für den SRT ist es eine positive Entwicklung: "Die Anfrage des MEFT, unser Rhino Rangers Programm zu verdoppeln, ist eine Anerkennung für den Erfolg des SRT in der Kunene-Region in den letzten vier Jahrzehnten.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023
2023. WWF responds to South African rhino poaching numbers for 2022.

Transparency and regular communication about rhino numbers and rhino poaching are vital to understand the threat to our rhinos and finding the best ways to conserve them. The most recent rhino population numbers for Africa to the end of 2021, as released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) last year, showed that white rhino numbers had continued to decline at around 3.1% per year and numbered just below 16 000 animals.

Thursday, 16 February 2023
Francke R-L 2023. Suspects transporting abalone worth R200 000 from Mthatha to Bloemfontein nabbed.

Two suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of illegal possession of abalone, reckless and negligent driving and assault on a police official.

Wednesday, 15 February 2023
Masilela B 2023. Field ranger who hid two alleged poachers in his vehicle released on R15 000 bail.

A field ranger who allegedly hid two suspected poachers in his bakkie, appeared at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court where he was released on R15 000 bail. Bright Mashele, 36, the field ranger and his two accomplice, Collen Mathebula, 32, and Casper Mlambo, 30, were arrested on Saturday when they tried to enter the Kruger National Park through Numbi Gate. According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, police received information about some individuals who were orchestrating to enter the park to commit crime.

Tuesday, 14 February 2023
Venter Z 2023. Vehicle used to transport pangolin skins forfeited to state.

The court has once again proved that those who illegally trade in exotic animals will feel the full brunt of the law. It ordered a vehicle which transported two pangolin skins forfeited to the State.

Monday, 13 February 2023
Francke R-L 2023. Police arrest man for possession of endangered species, including pangolins.

A Lesotho national is expected to appear in the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court in the North West on Monday for possession of endangered species. During the operation, a search was conducted in a house at Tlakgameng, leading to the discovery of two pangolins, two dead rock pythons and two dead monkeys.

Thursday, 9 February 2023
Smit E 2023. MEFT-Beamter wegen angeblich Wilderei verhaftet.

Das Umweltministerium hat einen Vorfall verurteilt, bei dem einer seiner Mitarbeiter zusammen mit drei anderen Verdächtigen wegen des Verdachts der illegalen Jagd auf ein Streifengnu im Daan-Viljoen-Park in der Nähe von Windhoek festgenommen wurde. Der Sprecher des Ministeriums, Romeo Muyunda, sagte, der Vorfall habe sich am Dienstag an einer Straßensperre zwischen Daan Viljoen und Windhoek ereignet.

Thursday, 9 February 2023
Mahlokwane J 2023. Barbara Creecy says no rhinos killed in Pretoria parks last year.

The parks and reserves in Pretoria did not lose a single rhino in 2022, said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy.

Wednesday, 8 February 2023
Hlati O 2023. WWF concerned about transnational organised crime targeting iconic rhinos.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says the transnational organised crime networks targeting large conservation areas across Southern Africa remain a serious concern. The WWF was reacting to the 2022 rhino poaching statistics which saw a 40% decline compared to 2021 in the Kruger Park and other national parks across the country.

Tuesday, 7 February 2023
Maromo J 2023. Rogue Kruger National Park rangers: 14th suspect arrested for rhino poaching case.

Mpumalanga provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber has welcomed the arrest of the 14th accused person, 24-year-old Nkateko Maluleke who was wanted in a case of money laundering, where field rangers allegedly provided tactical information to rhino poachers in the Kruger National Park.

Monday, 6 February 2023
2023. Slight decline in rhino poaching in South Africa.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) has reported that relentless pressure has forced rhino poachers to abandon parks in 2022.

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