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.
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Another case of rhino poaching has been discovered in the Kunene Region and is being investigated by the police. A spokesperson for the police, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, yesterday confirmed that a rhino carcass was discovered on July 17 at Etendeka in the Sesfontein area. Members of the Save the Rhino Trust discovered the carcass during a routine patrol at Otjijapa village. Upon closer inspection of the skull it was found that the rhino had been dehorned.
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NAM_2014-07_Rhino carcass discovered in Kunene_Namibian Sun.pdf | 49.31 KB |
The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) has embarked on a community advocacy campaign focusing specifically on conservancies in the Palmwag Concession area that are most affected by the escalation in black rhino poaching. The project coordinator of the Legal Assistance Centre, Willem Odendaal, said the Conservation Support Project stems from recommendations made during a stakeholder workshop on wildlife crime held in May this year. Odendaal made the remarks when the Pupkewitz Foundation donated a Toyota Land Cruiser to the Legal Assistance Centre.
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NAM_2014-07_LAC gets involved in fighting poaching_Namibian Sun.pdf | 91.66 KB |
Poachers have struck a horrible blow in the Uukwaluundhi Conservancy, located in the Omusati Region, by killing four black rhino and wounding three others. The rhino carcasses were discovered last Thursday when the newly established association aiming to protect rhinos in Namibia, HoRN.nam, was called in to assist in tracking rhino in the conservancy. According Jaco Muller from HoRN.nam, he was contacted by the concession holder of the conservancy Wouter Smit, who expressed concern over the fact that their rhino have "not been seen much lately".
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NAM_2014-06_Four black rhino killed by poachers _ Namibian Sun.pdf | 115.42 KB |
Rhinos are known for their distinctive horn or in some cases two horns on their nose. It's a great shame how some people do not consider these animals as the treasures that they are. They are also known as part of the big five.
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NAM_2014-06_Poison can End Rhino Poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 278.76 KB |
As rhino poaching in Namibia is increasing dramatically, concerned rhino owners yesterday gathered at Okahandja to launch a new organisation focusing on the protection of the rhino. However, debate was sparked about the government’s involvement and the legalisation of trading in rhino horn. One of the issues raised by rhino owners was the fact that the organisation was not driven by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and that there seemed to be a lack of involvement from the ministry's side.
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NAM_2014-06_Rhino owners blame lack of political will_Namibian Sun.pdf | 79.46 KB |
Opuwo-The Governor of Kunene, Joshua //Hoebeb, has urged Namibians to declare war on rhino poachers.
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NAM_2014-06_Declare war against poachers_Hoebeb_The Namibian.pdf | 411.04 KB |
Opuwo - The Governor of Kunene, Joshua //Hoebeb, has urged Namibians to declare war on rhino poachers.
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NAM_2014-06_Declare war against poachers_The Namibian.pdf | 411.04 KB |
I am part of the public voice bidding that the three Chinese men found with 14 rhino horn in their bags – at Hosea Kutako airport (well done, Security!) – must remain in prison without bail. Thus far, I feel and believe that the judge has made the right decision in keeping them there.
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NAM_2014-05_Dont Hand our Legacy to Chinese_The Namibian.pdf | 296.47 KB |
The three Chinese men charged with trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of Namibia at the end of March had their hopes of being released on bail dashed yesterday.
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NAM_2014-05_No bail in rhino horn smuggling case_The Namibian.pdf | 634.14 KB |
Poachers have struck again in the Kunene region where the carcasses of two black rhinos were found in the Palmwag concession early this week.
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NAM_2014-05_Two more black rhinos killed_The Namibian.pdf | 223.45 KB |
The three Chinese nationals accused of trying to smuggle rhino horns worth more than N$2 million out of Namibia have been denied bail. They were remanded in custody and their case was postponed until August 6 for further investigation. Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on charges of the possession and export of controlled wildlife products.
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NAM_2014-05_No bail for Chinese smuggling suspects_Namibian Sun.pdf | 84.29 KB |
Zoo Park was fittingly the venue for Namibia's first anti-rhino poaching protest, bringing together more than 60 demonstrators fighting the cause of the threatened species yesterday.
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NAM_2014-05_Namibians protest against rhino poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 973.59 KB |
Two more rhinos have been killed in the Kunene Region, bringing to five the number of rhinos poached in Namibia so far this year. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has described the spate of poaching in the country as barbaric and says the country is ready to confront anybody caught poaching and that they will face the full wrath of the law. This comes while a group of about 60 people yesterday gathered at the Zoo Park in Windhoek to protest against bail being granted to three Chinese men who were caught in March this year with 14 rhino horns in their luggage.
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NAM_2014-05_Two more rhinos poached at Palmwag-Namibian Sun.pdf | 114.1 KB |
DNA tests done in South Africa indicate that the rhino horns allegedly discovered in the luggage of three Chinese men at Hosea Kutako International Airport at the end of March were of Namibian origin.
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NAM_2014-05_DNA links rhino horns to Namibia_The Namibian.pdf | 704.14 KB |
The head of the Namibia Protective Resource Unit says there is evidence that the three Chinese men arrested for trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the country are part of a much larger international syndicate. Detective Chief Inspector Barry de Klerk also testified last Friday during the bail hearing of the three accused that a Chinese investigator will arrive in Namibia within the next few weeks to assist with investigations.
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NAM_2014-05_Rhino horn smuggling syndicate targets Namibia_Namibian Sun.pdf | 106.39 KB |
One of the Chinese men accused of trying to smuggle two suitcases containing rhino horns out of Namibia near the end of March told a magistrate yesterday that four of his front teeth were knocked out when he was assaulted by detainees in police custody.
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NAM_2014-05_Alleged rhino horn smuggler reports cell assault_The Namibian.pdf | 941.6 KB |
A total of 11 rhinos have been killed by poachers in the past six years with eight animals poached in the past two years, a further two in 2021 and one in 2011 and 28 horns recovered during that period, a workshop on wildlife that was held in Windhoek was told.
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NAM_2014-05_Government and experts meet to tackle poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 319.37 KB |
The 14 rhino horns, valued at N$2.3 million and which were confiscated from three Chinese nationals recently, were poached in Namibia. This was confirmed at the bail hearing Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin last week, when they appeared on charges of possessing and attempting to export controlled wildlife products. They were allegedly caught with the rhino horns, as well as a leopard skin valued at N$50 000, in their luggage on 23 March at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
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NAM_2014-05_Chinese rhino horn suspects in bail bid_Namibian Sun.pdf | 75.28 KB |
The bail hearing of the three Chinese men who were arrested at the Hosea Kutako International Airport for trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the country has been postponed until May 8. Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin appeared on charges of possession and the export of controlled wildlife products.
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NAM_2014-04_Chinese bail hearing postponed_Namibian Sun.pdf | 86.18 KB |
Poachers ruthlessly gunned down a black rhino last week Tuesday in Namibia's northwest region.
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NAM_2014-04_Rhino poachers strike again_The Namibian.pdf | 194.4 KB |
Another rhino has been poached, this time in the Kunene Region. According to Nampol spokesperson Edwin Kanguatjivi, members of Save the Rhino Trust discovered the carcass of a black rhino near Palmwag Lodge last week Monday. He said that the carcass was discovered with both horns removed, and on closer inspection it was found that the rhino had been shot. According to him the carcass of the rhino had been lying there for approximately three to four weeks before it was found. No arrests or recovery of the horns have been made.
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NAM_2014-04_Another rhino poached in Kunene _Namibian Sun.pdf | 50.58 KB |
The deafening silence by government and prominent conservation organisations in Namibia on the issue of rhino poaching that has reared its ugly head during the past few months has left many shaking their heads in frustration.
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NAM_2014-04_Call to break the silence on rhino poaching in Namibia_The Namibian.pdf | 320.34 KB |
At least 10 rhinos were killed by poachers in Namibia in the last five years.
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NAM_2014-04_Rhino poaching up_The Namibian.pdf | 596.81 KB |
The arrest of three Chinese men found in possession of rhino horns and the killing of two hand-reared white rhinos on a farm close to Windhoek - in a space of a week - has cast the spotlight on the increase in rhino poaching in Namibia.
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NAM_2014-04_Rhino poaching on the rise in Namibia_The Namibian.pdf | 750.41 KB |
The Bank of Namibia received 96 intelligence reports of suspected money laundering and terrorism financing in Namibia in 2013, which were passed on to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
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NAM_2014-04_BoN receive 96 cases of money laundering_The Namibian.pdf | 241.51 KB |
While the number of cases of rhino poaching in Namibia seem to be escalating, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism chooses to stay mum on the situation. Another two cases of rhino poaching were discovered on a farm just outside Windhoek on Tuesday. Yesterday, in another poaching case, three Chinese men made another court appearance in Windhoek for allegedly trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of Namibia.
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NAM_2014-04_More rhino poaching discovered in Namibia_Namibian Sun.pdf | 84.46 KB |
A team has recovered the last of the four rhino that escaped from a truck that overturned in the //Karas Region this past Saturday The truck was transporting five rhino from South Africa to Namibia, destined for a farm near Outjo. According to Deputy Commissioner Johannes Tsuseb, the truck overturned at 06:50 on Saturday about 60 km from Keetmanshoop to Tses. He said the right front wheel of the truck had burst. The driver then lost control, because he could not handle the heavy load.
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NAM_2014-05_Rhino recaptured after accident escape_Namibian Sun.pdf | 47.52 KB |
The three Chinese nationals who were arrested at the Hosea Kutako National Airport for trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the country have been refused bail. The Chinese men appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court just before 17:00 on Tuesday. One of the men claimed that he had nothing to do with the crime and should be allowed out on bail. Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin are charged with the possession and export of controlled wildlife products. The three were caught at the Hosea Kutako Airport on Monday morning with 14 rhino horns and a leopard skin in their…
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NAM_2014-03_No bail for Chinese rhino horn suspects_Namibian Sun.pdf | 84.56 KB |
Three Chinese men appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court yesterday in connection with the discovery of 14 rhino horns in luggage at the Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday.
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NAM_2014-03_Chinese men charged with rhino horn smuggling_The Namibian.pdf | 578.36 KB |
Three Chinese men appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court yesterday in connection with the discovery of 14 rhino horns in luggage at the Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday.
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NAM_2014-03_Chinese men charged with rhino horn smuggling_The Namibian_0.pdf | 578.36 KB |
The three Chinese nationals who were arrested at the Hosea Kutako National Airport for trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the country have been refused bail. The Chinese men appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court just before 17:00 on Tuesday. One of the men claimed that he had nothing to do with the crime and should be allowed out on bail. Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin are charged with the possession and export of controlled wildlife products. The three were caught at the Hosea Kutako Airport on Monday morning with 14 rhino horns and a leopard skin in their…
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NAM_2014-03_No bail for Chinese rhino horn suspects_Namibian Sun_0.pdf | 84.56 KB |
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NAM_2014-03_Chinese arrested for rhino horns_Namibian Sun.pdf | 77.16 KB |
It is not just the stock theft figures for 2013 that are staggering, but the poaching of wildlife is just as worrisome and one beleaguered farmer from Omaruru can vouch for that.
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NAM_2013-11_Poachers barbaric act_The Namibian.pdf | 742.39 KB |
I have read Rob Moffett's opinion piece (The Namibian, 1 November 2013) on turning rhinos into a commodity with interest. I have also seen some other press coverage of this issue.
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NAM_2013-11_Rhinos Need Not Die_The Namibian.pdf | 285.38 KB |
More than 30 wild animals were trapped in wire snares before either being left to rot, chopped up and the meat hung to dry on farm Okapekaha, which belongs to Adrian Lang, near Omaruru last week.
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NAM_2013-10_Poachers plunder Omaruru farm_The Namibian.pdf | 801.96 KB |
An Omaruru farmer sent to prison in April for killing a suspected poacher on his property has been released on bail pending the hearing of an appeal in the High Court.
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NAM_2013-08_Jailed farmer gets bail_The Namibian.pdf | 269.89 KB |
An Omaruru farmer sent to prison in April for killing a suspected poacher on his property has been released on bail pending the hearing of an appeal in the High Court.
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NAM_2013-08_Jailed farmer gets bail_The Namibian_0.pdf | 269.89 KB |
The Protective Resources Unit (PRU) of the Erongo Police are investigating two incidents of alleged elephant poaching near Khorixas after two carcasses were discovered in the area – one of which the tusks have been removed.
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NAM_2013-08_Elephant poaching probe at Khorixas_The Namibian.pdf | 292.04 KB |
Over 72 elephants were poached in the Caprivi Region last year alone while six cases have been reported so far this year.
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NAM_2013-07_Elephant poaching a concern_The Namibian.pdf | 202.39 KB |
Two men on trial for allegedly selling a rhino horn to an undercover police officer have applied to have their bail conditions relaxed. Arvo Johannes Mutefi, 40, and Andreas Panduleni Naholo are out on bail of N$7 000 each. One of their bail conditions is that they must report to the Windhoek or Oshakati police stations every Monday and Friday. They want this condition removed.
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NAM_2013-05_Rhino horn suspects want bail relaxed_Namibian Sun.pdf | 76.25 KB |
In March, life was looking rather bleak for Victor, the Cape pangolin.
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NAM_2013-05_Victor the very lucky pangolin_The Namibian.pdf | 186.73 KB |
International Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February every year and it falls on the 16th of February this year.
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NAM_2013-02_Pangolin remains a threatened species_The Namibian.pdf | 216.5 KB |
While there is no conclusive evidence of illegal poaching, members of the Tsiseb constituency in the Erongo Region say wildlife in the area is being decimated by unscrupulous elements.
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NAM_2013-02_Illegal wildlife poaching at Tsiseb conservancy_The Namibian.pdf | 244.35 KB |
The trial of two men accused of selling a rhino horn to an undercover police informer has been interrupted after both of them got new defence lawyers to represent them.
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NAM_2013-02_Rhino deal suspects replace lawyers_The Namibian.pdf | 211.96 KB |
Faced with poachers who are ravaging elephant and rhino populations, African nations could do worse than look to Namibia for a game plan to combat the scourge.
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NAM_2013-01_Namibia offers model to tackle poaching scourge_The Namibian.pdf | 255.47 KB |
A Namibian man, Tjetuura Tjiumbua (42), is alleged to have killed a black rhino in the Kunene region close to Khorixas, confirmed deputy commissioner, Edwin Kanguatjivi, head of Nampol's public relations division in Windhoek.
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NAM_2013-01_Rare rhino poaching a concern_The Namibian.pdf | 254.15 KB |
Four police officers arrested for allegedly poaching springbok in a conservancy in the Erongo Region appeared in the Khorixas Magistrate's Court yesterday morning and were granted bail of N$300 each.
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2012_11_Poacher cops granted N$300 bail_The Namibian.pdf | 248.14 KB |
Cape Town - Rhino poaching statistics released yesterday by the South African authorities show that a record 455 rhinos have been lost to poaching already in 2012. The number exceeds the 448 rhinos killed for their horns during the whole of 2011.
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SA_2012-10_Record poaching drives rhinos toward critical tipping point_The Namibian.pdf | 279.42 KB |
While South Africa battles with increasing rhino poaching, Namibia has been rocked by the discovery of 18 elephants killed for their ivory in the Caprivi Region.
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NAM_2012-10_Elephant poaching on the rise_The Namibian.pdf | 244.81 KB |
A man found in possession of a rhino horn was arrested in Namakgale, Limpopo, police said yesterday.
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SA_2012-10_Man held over rhino horn in SA_The Namibian.pdf | 147.57 KB |