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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The three Chinese men accused of trying to smuggle 14 rhinoceros horns out of Namibia in March last year could be joined in the dock by a compatriot, after another suspect was arrested in connection with their case this week. The fourth suspect to be arrested about the alleged attempt to smuggle rhino horns and a leopard skin out of Namibia on 24 March last year is a 40-year-old Chinese resident of Otjiwarongo, Wang Hui, who was apprehended in Windhoek on Monday evening.
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NAM_2015-05_Fourth Chinese charged over rhino horns_The Namibian.pdf | 507.01 KB |
Deputy minister of environment and tourism Tommy Nambahu says his ministry is aware that local people are being used in the poaching of elephants and rhinos. He said this during a sponsorship handover by the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the wildlife crime prevention unit of the Namibian police force yesterday.
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NAM_2015-05_Locals are being used to poach_Nambahu_The Namibian.pdf | 216.69 KB |
The Namibian police are investigating a case of illegal hunting of protected game, after two white rhinoceroses were found dead at the weekend. The rhino carcasses were found at Farm Okamahoro, situated approximately 30 kilometres west of Okahandja in the Otjozondjupa region. The game farm is a privately owned commercial entity, farming with game like rhinos.
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NAM_2015-05_Two white rhinos killed_The Namibian.pdf | 209.47 KB |
Last year Namibia lost 24 rhinos to poaching. For the first four months of this year, 60 rhino carcasses have already been found. If that is not a crisis, what is?
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NAM_2015-05_Namibia We Have A Crisis_The Namibian.pdf | 349.37 KB |
The threat looming over Namibia's rhinoceros population is even bigger than previously thought, with 38 rhino carcasses having been discovered in the Etosha National Park so far this year. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism announced in a media statement on Friday that another 31 rhino carcasses have been found in the Etosha National Park since 8 April.
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NAM_2015-04_Shock spike in Etosha rhino deaths_The Namibian.pdf | 297.8 KB |
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) said on Friday that a total of 31 rhino carcasses were discovered in the Etosha National Park during the course of last week. Most of the carcasses were found in the western part of Etosha.
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NAM_2015-04_More than 30 rhino carcasses discovered in Etosha last week_The Namibian.pdf | 234.71 KB |
An independent investigator found no evidence of suspicions of any of the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) staff being involved in poaching, according to an official SRT statement released on Wednesday. Last December the SRT launched an internal investigation in response to newspaper reports that alleged that its staff was involved in rhino poaching in the Kunene region.
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NAM_2015-04_Rhino trust staff not involved in poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 510.02 KB |
Namibia continues losing rhinoceroses and elephants to the greed of poachers, with seven carcasses of poached rhinos having been discovered in the Etosha National Park so far this year. The discovery of the carcasses of seven poached rhinos in the Etosha National Park since the start of this year brings the number of rhinos killed by poachers in Namibia's premier wildlife refuge since October last year up to 11, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Simeon Negumbo, announced in a media statement on Friday.
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NAM_2015-04_Etosha rhino losses rise to 11_The Namibian.pdf | 237.23 KB |
Sensational disclosures are the stuff of journalism. Good journalism however, requires that these disclosures are accurate and the interpretation of the facts is rational and reasonable. A recent front page lead "Wildlife staff probed in Kunene rhino poaching" requires a response.
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NAM_2015-02_Rhino poaching in the Kunene_a field perspective_The Namibian.pdf | 438.18 KB |
The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), which has been monitoring Namibia's desert-adapted rhinos since 1983, confirmed an internal investigation and announced that Otjiwarongo veterinarian Dr Axel Hartman has assumed the position of chief operating officer at the NGO as of this month.
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NAM_2015-02_Rhino trust investigates poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 313.41 KB |
The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has launched an internal investigation after it was presented with a letter in mid-December outlining possible collusion between some staff members and poachers who have killed at least 18 critically endangered Kunene black rhinos since late 2012. The crisis at the SRT is however just part of a larger one in anti-poaching law enforcement and natural resource management in the so-called “Big Three” communal conservancies - Palmwag, Abenab and Sesfontein - in southern Kunene.
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NAM_2015-01_Wildlife staff probed in Kunene rhino poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 881.87 KB |
The chairperson of 'Save The Rhino Trust' in Namibia (SRT), Dudu Murorua says the organisation will intensify its operations and shift its future focus from monitoring to adopting a more proactive approach for the extensive protection of rhinos.
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NAM_2015-01_Protection needed for rhinos in Kunene_ The Namibian.pdf | 281.29 KB |
The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kunene Region is investigating a case of rhino poaching after a cow and calf were found dead in the top Barab Plamwag Concession towards Mbakondja camel camp.
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NAM_2014-12_Another rhino cow and calf poached in Kunene_The Namibian.pdf | 495.95 KB |
Ben Simasiku, a 31-year-old suspected ivory smuggler, has been arrested in Zambia after the first-ever Interpol public appeal, dubbed to track down nine environmental fugitives.
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NAM_2014-12_Most wanted environmental fugitives list leads to arrest of ivory suspect_The Namibian.pdf | 635.15 KB |
The three Chinese men accused of trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of Namibia in March this year will have to stand trial on three main charges in the Windhoek Regional Court, the prosecutor general has decided.
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NAM_2014-12_Rhino horn case sent to Regional Court_The Namibian.pdf | 274.12 KB |
At least two more black rhinos have been killed by poachers in the Etosha National Park this month, bringing the total number of confirmed rhino poaching cases in Namibia's premier wildlife park to three.
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NAM_2014-11_Poachers kill two rhinos in Etosha_The Namibian.pdf | 248.79 KB |
Three carcasses of black rhino were discovered in the Kunene region this week, two weeks after another carcass of a black rhino bull was found in Etosha.
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NAM_2014-11_Three rhino carcasses found in Kunene_The Namibian.pdf | 233.75 KB |
A reward of N$30 000 is being offered for information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the people responsible for the poaching of a rhinoceros in Namibia's premier wildlife sanctuary, the Etosha National Park, about a week ago.
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NAM_2014-10_Reward for info on Etosha rhino poaching_The Namibian.pdf | 724.33 KB |
Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's proposal to de-horn rhinos in Namibia.
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NAM_2014-10_Nam de_horns rhinos in battle against poachers_The Namibian.pdf | 756.98 KB |
The three Chinese men accused of trying to smuggle two suitcases with rhino horns out of Namibia in March pleaded not guilty to all charges against them during their latest court appearance yesterday.
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NAM_2014-10_Chinese trio denies rhino horn charges_The Namibian.pdf | 838.56 KB |
A Kunene resident convicted of poaching a rhinoceros and possessing the endangered animal's two horns was sentenced to an effective seven years' imprisonment and fined a total of N$13 000 at the end of his trial in the Opuwo Magistrate's Court yesterday.
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NAM_2014-08_Rhino poacher gets seven years in prison_The Namibian.pdf | 296.89 KB |
One pupil and an elderly resident sustained slight injuries after they were attacked by a lone black rhino which terrorised residents of Omuthiya in Oshikoto region on Monday.
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NAM_2014-08_Rhino terrorises Omuthiya residents_The Namibian.pdf | 217.2 KB |
The case in which three Chinese men are charged with trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of Namibia near the end of March has again been postponed for further investigations to be carried out.
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NAM_2014-08_Rhino horn smuggling case postponed_The Namibian.pdf | 245.5 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |