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.
A grant of 200 000 euro has been awarded to Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia to support local communities in protecting the world's last free-ranging black rhino population. It will also assist with the sustainability of initiatives that bring revenue to these communities. The project is funded by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), through the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme. According to SRT, this two-year project will train and equip trackers and rhino rangers to…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020_12_New project to protect black rhino_Namibian Sun.pdf | 345.09 KB |
Despite global economic uncertainty, the Save the Rhino Trust's long-standing donors continued international and national support and kept boots on the ground. This is according to the organisation's CEO, Simon Uri-Khob, who thanked the SRT team and all partners and donors for their hard work in dealing with the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic during the year. From April to August, Namibia was in various stages of government-mandated lockdown.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020_12_Donors keep boots on ground_Namibian Sun.pdf | 446.06 KB |
A suspected rhino poacher has been arrested at Grootfontein, while a Windhoek man has been sentenced to an effective four years in jail for selling pangolin skins or a N$40 000 fine.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-12_Four years for pangolin trafficking_Namibian Sun.pdf | 282.63 KB |
There has been a continued downward trend in elephant poaching in parts of Africa, data shows. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) programme for Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) has published its annual report analysing trends regarding illegally killed elephants in Africa, based on data collected by MIKE sites on the continent. Namibia boasts two of these sites - in the Etosha National Park and in the Zambezi Region.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-11_Decline in elephant poaching_Namibian Sun.pdf | 401.54 KB |
A Namibian man who illegally hunted two warthogs and an impala was sentenced to five months in prison or a N$6 000 fine last week. According to the latest wildlife crime report, only two new cases of wildlife crime were reported between 8 November and 15 November. Two suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crime and five illegal wildlife products were seized. These were two warthog carcasses, an impala carcass and a lechwe carcass. At Kalkfeld, a Namibian man was arrested on 8 November for being in possession of two warthog carcasses and an impala carcass.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-11_Five wildlife products seized_Namibian Sun.pdf | 288.07 KB |
A one-year-old white rhino calf has been killed by poachers on a farm in the Gobabis district. Farm owner Walter Kinnear says the calf’s tiny horn was removed by the poachers.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-10_Poachers kill rhino calf_Namibian Sun.pdf | 368.48 KB |
At Opuwo, two Namibians were arrested on 13 October for being in possession of a pangolin. At Grootfontein, a Namibian, Raimo Kakongo, was arrested on 11 October on a charge of conspiring to poach a rhino. The case dates back to August this year. He has been charged with contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act. At Opuwo, two Namibians were arrested on 13 October for being in possession of a pangolin. Uaninazo Muheke and Mavetumbuavi Mutambo were charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-10_Seven apprehended for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 292.67 KB |
Pangolins are the most poached and trafficked animal species in Namibia, crime statistics show. A total of 174 wildlife crime cases involving high-value species were registered last year and more than 360 suspects were arrested. According to the 2019/2020 annual progress report of the environment ministry, 92 of these cases related to pangolin, 54 related to elephants, 32 related to rhinos and 17 to conspiracy to poach rhinos.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-10_363 arrested for wildlife crimes in 2019_Namibian Sun.pdf | 405.29 KB |
Fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and seven new cases have been registered. Three of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking. According to the information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment and tourism ministry and the protected resources unit within the safety and security ministry, 11 illegal wildlife products were seized.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-10_14 caught for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 288.91 KB |
Six suspects have been arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and two new cases were registered last week. Three of the suspects were arrested for elephant poaching and one suspect was arrested for rhino poaching. According to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit in the environment ministry and the protected resources unit in the safety and security ministry, three illegal wildlife products were confiscated. At Mukwe in the Kavango East Region, three Namibians were arrested on 22 September for being in possession of two elephant tusks.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-10_Six arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 300.43 KB |
After a study on black rhinos in Namibia, new software has been developed by researchers in the United States that could help conservationists keep a watchful eye on the black rhino. The interactive software was jointly developed by researchers at Duke University and analytics software specialist SAS and analyses the footprints left behind by black rhinos. This can be used to monitor their movements and enable conservationists to help keep the animals safe from poachers.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-09_New technology to help monitor rhinos_Namibian Sun.pdf | 202.56 KB |
Three poachers brutally killed eight calves and mutilated six more on the farm Randveld of Jacques Swartz at around 02:00 on Sunday. The calves were attacked with spears and axes, and their intestines were ripped out. Swartz said he and a few watchmen were doing their night patrol - something they started doing regularly after a similar incident last month when four cattle were killed in a similar incident.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-08_Poaching carnage at Randveld farm_Namibian Sun.pdf | 477.15 KB |
More than 150 illegal wildlife products were seized last week and 10 suspects were arrested, while six new cases were registered. Five of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking cases.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-09_155 wildlife products seized_Namibian Sun.pdf | 294.98 KB |
A comprehensive new guide has been published to assist law enforcement agencies to identify trafficked ivory. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) secretariat, TRAFFIC and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have published the Identification Guide for Ivory and Ivory Substitutes. It is a comprehensive and accessible resource for identifying the most commonly found ivories and artificial substitutes used for trade.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-08_Officials get teeth to identify trafficked ivory_Namibian Sun.pdf | 212.21 KB |
Six suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and three new cases were opened recently, while seized products included python, leopard and pangolin skins.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-08_Python skins seized_Namibian Sun.pdf | 280.57 KB |
The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has received a N$1.11 million donation from the Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation to develop innovative ways to nurture reading skills among the youth and protect rhinos in the Kunene Region. The funds will be utilised for the rhino rangers programme, which supports rangers from local communities, but also the Rhino Pride Campaign.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-08_Training tomorrows rhino rangers_Namibian Sun.pdf | 378.33 KB |
In the first cooperation between US law enforcement and the Namibian police, four suspected pangolin traffickers were recently arrested in Namibia. According to a statement by the US embassy in Namibia, time-sensitive information was received by the Homeland Security Investigations office in Pretoria relating to the imminent illegal sale of a live pangolin.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-08_Pangolin traffickers nabbed_Namibian Sun.pdf | 379.08 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-07_Namibias trade in live elephants 2nd in Africa_Namibian Sun.pdf | 403.97 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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-07_B2Gold project steps in to save rhinos_Namibian sun.pdf | 396.59 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…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-07_Nine arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 300.18 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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-06_Groupies form human shield around_Namibian Sun.pdf | 291.88 KB |
Preacher Babi stands accused of illegally being in possession of two rhino horns, a firearm and ammunition.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-06_Only God can judge him_NamibianSun.pdf | 367.46 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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-05_Two elephants killed within a week_Namibian Sun.pdf | 413.95 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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2020-02_ Poaching declines_arrests increase_Namibia_Save the Elephants.pdf | 301.72 KB |
An 80-year-old Chinese man who has lived in Namibia for more than 17 years was granted N$180 000 bail in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court last week, after he was arrested for being in illegal possession of one rhino horn and 60 pieces of raw elephant tusks, a leopard head skin and one cheetah hide.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2018-01_Suburban women tackle robbers_Namibian Sun.pdf | 94.94 KB |