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.
Na raming is 93 renosters in 2022 gestroop, vergeleke met die 47 in 2021 en 43 in 2020.
An estimated 93 rhinos were poached in 2022, compared to 47 in 2021 and 43 in 2020.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_07_Renosterstropery styg weer in 2022_Republikein.pdf | 364.34 KB |
NAM_2023_07_Rhino poaching on the increase again in 2022_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 337.91 KB |
Burke het 'n lys van bedreigings saamgestel wat die plante in die Sperrgebiet se voortbestaan belemmer. Eerstens noem Burke klimaatsverandering, "ons weet nie hoe die plante daarop gaan reageer nie." Dit is egter duidelik dat hulle in die toekoms aan groter stresfaktore blootgestel sal word. Mynbou vernietig ook habitatte. Dit is egter danksy diamantontginning dat hierdie diversiteit hoegenaamd in die beperkte gebied kon oorleef." Vir 'n geruime tyd al is ’n deel van die beperkte gebied ook vir die publiek oopgestel.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_07_Endemiese plante in gevaar_Republikein.pdf | 297.28 KB |
NAM_2023_07_Endemic plants in danger_Republikei_Eng.pdf | 296.94 KB |
DNS-data van ietermago's in Namibië word tans ingesamel, wat sal help om smokkelroetes te identifiseer en die omvang van die internasionale onwettige handel in ietermagospesies vas te stel. Volgens die 2022- verslag oor wildbeskerming en wetstoepassing in Namibië is dit onbekend hoeveel ietermago's suksesvol uit Namibië gesmokkel is. Daarvolgens dui die huidige beskikbare inligting daarop dat die verhouding laag is, maar meer navorsing is nodig.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_07_Ietermago_DNS ingespan teen onwettige handel_Republikein.pdf | 332.87 KB |
NAM_2023_07_Pangolin DNA used against legal trade_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 315.42 KB |
Namibië het 'n deurgangsroete geword vir perlemoensmokkelary vanuit Suid-Afrika na China. Volgens 'n 2022-verslag oor wildbeskerming en wetstoepassing in Namibië is die bestaan van wettige perlemoenboerdery in Namibië gebruik as ’n front vir vervalste dokumentasie van perlemoenbesendings waarop beslag gelê is. Luidens die verslag smokkel Suid-Afrikaanse kartelle toenemend perlemoen via buurlande om onder die radar te bly.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_07_Namibie n deurgang vir perlemoensmokkelaars_Republikein.pdf | 368.23 KB |
NAM_2023_07_Namibia a passage for abalone smugglersRepublikein_Eng.pdf | 332.42 KB |
Handel in lewende plante, veral skaars en endemiese vetplante en pachycauls (wat die kremetart en halfmens insluit), het die hoogte ingeskiet as 'n groeiende sektor - wat 'n bedreiging vir seldsame spesies in Namibië inhou. Luidens die verslag oor wildbeskerming en wetstoepassing in Namibië vir 2022 is die eerste sake eers verlede jaar aanhangig gemaak. Daar is egter reeds op groot hoeveelhede lewende plante beslag gelê en talle verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem. Luidens die verslag is 11 sake verlede jaar geregistreer,…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_07_Handel in indemiese plante neem toe_Republikein.pdf | 328.99 KB |
NAM_2023_07_Trade in endemic succulents is increasing_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 217.44 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2-23_07_LISTEN_ Four men arrested with 649 units of abalone_IOL.pdf | 634.53 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_07_Two suspects arrested after being found with R3 million worth of abalone_IOL.pdf | 139.31 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_07_Two nabbed in Northern Cape for possession of protected plants_IOL.pdf | 133.58 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_07_Hawks arrest foreign national for dealing in pangolin scales in Durban_IOL.pdf | 303.22 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_06_Kruger National Park conservation efforts see number of rhino increase_IOL.pdf | 289.85 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_06_Warrant of arrest for suspect who skipped court after abalone bust_IOL.pdf | 280.94 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_06_Two suspects got arrested in possession of abalone worth R1.7 million_IOL.pdf | 352.54 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_6_Department of Forestry_Fisheries and the Environment clamps down on abalone poaching_IOL.pdf | 305.77 KB |
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…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_06_Major victory in rhino poaching war_IOL.pdf | 321.81 KB |
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.
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_06_Suspects in possession of R1.2 million worth of abalone arrested in Century City_IOL.pdf | 218.65 KB |
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.
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_05_Foreign national bust with over R3 million abalone in Cape Town_IOL.pdf | 304.79 KB |
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.
Altesaam 15 renosters is vanjaar gestroop, teenoor 87 in 2022 en 45 in 2021. Die laaste renoster is tussen 1 en 28 April op 'n private plaas in die Grootfontein-omgewing gestroop. Die karkas is eers verlede week ontdek en die ondersoek dui daarop dat die dier twee keer met 'n jaggeweer geskiet is.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_Vyftien renosters vanjaar gestroop_Republikein.pdf | 365.73 KB |
NAM_2023_05_Fifteen rhinos poached this year_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 362.22 KB |
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.
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_05_Not gone fishing_gone to jail_ Two held over abalone poaching_IOL.pdf | 151.8 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_04_Trio of rhino KNP poachers handed prison terms totalling over 100 years_IOL 2023.pdf | 295.28 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_04_Hawks smell something fishy_6 held in abalone bust_IOL_2023.pdf | 156.25 KB |
Agt verdagtes is oor die Paasnaweek vir renosterstropery-verwante misdade in twee afsonderlike voorvalle in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die woordvoerder van die omgewingsministerie Romeo Muyunda, is twee verdagtes op 6 April op die Tsumeb/Otavi-pad by 'n mobiele padblokkade in hegtenis geneem omdat hulle onwettig die Etosha Nasionale Park binnegegaan het om renosters te jag. Twee vars renosterhorings is in hul besit gevind en deur die wetstoepassingsagentskappe onder leiding van die Blue Rhino-taakspan op beslag gelê.
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).
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_04_Prison escapee rearrested at private game reserve is back in court_IOL.pdf | 142 KB |
Wetstoepassers in Namibië, asook in Mosambiek en Zambië begin al hoe meer let op die onwettige smokkelary van onder meer perlemoen deur hul lande. Dit omdat daar groeiende bewyse is dat dieselfde maatskappye en individue wat betrokke is in dié smokkelary, ook betrokke is in die uitvoer van onwettige wildprodukte en ander onwettige bedrywighede. Inteendeel, groeiende bewyse dui op 'n samevloeiing van ander vorme van misdaad met onwettige handel in wildprodukte.
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Good Samaritan to the rescue after confiscating a poached grey duiker_IOL.pdf | 414.72 KB |
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…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_NSPCA removes 3 illegally kept lions in Randfontein_person could face fine of R10m_IOL.pdf | 416.72 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Abalone poachers plead guilty in Cape Town Magistrates Court_IOL.pdf | 228.88 KB |
Pretoria - A woman involved in rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park was on Friday jailed for 16 years by the Skukuza Regional Court.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Woman rhino poacher jailed for 16 years_IOL.pdf | 180.42 KB |
Twee mans is gister omstreeks 09:00 in die Dordabis-omgewing in hegtenis geneem nadat hulle glo twee swartrenosters, ‘n koei en ‘n kalf, op ‘n plaas doodgeskiet het. Die verdagtes het ‘n jaggeweer in hul besit gehad, asook 15 koeëls, waarvan drie reeds gebruik is. Twee renosterhorings is ook gevind. Die waarde van die renosters is sowat N$500 000 per renoster. Die mans is aangekla vir verskeie oortredings, insluitende vir die jag van beskermde wild en omdat hulle in besit was van ongelisensieërde wapens. Die polisie se ondersoek duur voort.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Twee renosterstropers aangekeer_Republikein.pdf | 223.54 KB |
NAM_2023_03_Two rhino poachers apprehended_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 198.5 KB |
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.
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_WWF responds to South African rhino poaching numbers for 2022_IOL.pdf | 313.78 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Suspects transporting abalone worth R200 000 from Mthatha to Bloemfontein nabbed_IOL.pdf | 219.02 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Field ranger who hid two alleged poachers in his vehicle released on R15 000 bail_IOL.pdf | 163.34 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Vehicle used to transport pangolin skins forfeited to state_IOL.pdf | 119.5 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Police arrest man for possession of endangered species including pangolins_IOL.pdf | 229.94 KB |
'n Beampte van die ministerie van omgewing en toerisme en nóg drie verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem ná hulle vermoedelik 'n blouwildebees onwettig in die Daan Viljoenpark naby Windhoek gejag het. Die woordvoerder van die ministerie, Romeo Muyunda, sê die arrestasies het Dinsdag by die padblokkade tussen Daan Viljoen geskied.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_02_Natuurbeamte vas oor beweerde stroping_Republikein.pdf | 294.49 KB |
NAM_2023-02_Wildlife officer arrested over alleged poaching_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 326.48 KB |
The parks and reserves in Pretoria did not lose a single rhino in 2022, said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Barbara Creecy says no rhinos killed in Pretoria parks last year_IOL.pdf | 213.37 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_WWF concerned about transnational organised crime targeting iconic rhinos_IOL.pdf | 162.17 KB |
A total of 87 rhinos were poached last year, of which 45 were killed in the Etosha National Park. This is according to new statistics released by the environment and tourism ministry, which show that last year, 61 black rhinos and 26 white rhinos were killed. In 2022, poaching cases included 15 rhinos poached on custodianship farms and another 25 white rhinos on private farms. Namibia recorded 45 rhinos poached in 2021, 43 in 2020, 61 in 2019, 84 in 2018 and 55 in 2017. So far this year, one rhino has been poached. Meanwhile, four elephants were killed last year.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_02_Etosha hotbed for rhino poaching_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 322.7 KB |
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.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Rogue Kruger National Park rangers_14th suspect arrested for rhino poaching case_IOL.pdf | 175.43 KB |
The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) has reported that relentless pressure has forced rhino poachers to abandon parks in 2022.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Slight decline in rhino poaching in South Africa_IOL.pdf | 285.8 KB |
A Mozambican man, convicted for poaching, will spend the next 18 years in prison. Santos Baloyi, 31, was arrested after a rhino was killed at Kruger National Park in September. He was also convicted on charges of trespassing, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of a dangerous weapon.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_02_Mozambican gets 18 years in jails well as on arms ammo and trespassing charges_IOL.pdf | 176.82 KB |
'n Vermeende renosterstroper is dood en nog een gewond tydens 'n skietery Saterdag tussen 'n teenstropingseenheid en drie vermeende stropers op 'n plaas sowat 120 km oos van Windhoek. Die beseerde stroper is in hegtenis geneem en die derde verdagte wat aanvanklik op die vlug geslaan het, is gisteroggend in hegtenis geneem. Die eienaar van Namibia Wildlife Protection, Salmon Vermaak, wie se teenstropingseenheid op die plaas gestasioneer is, sê die spanleier het hom omstreeks 11:30 Saterdag laat weet ’n vermeende stroper is opgemerk waar hy 'n renosterkoei en haar kalf volg.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_01_Stroper sterf in Skermutseling_Republikein.pdf | 297.03 KB |
NAM_2023_01_Poacher dies in skirmish_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 287.06 KB |
Two suspects, aged of 43 and 44 years, appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Thursday after they were arrested for being in possession of two elephant tusks they tried to sell to the officers. This followed information acquired by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Free State concerning the two suspects who were trying to sell the tusks in Bloemfontein.
The South African National Parks has welcomed the lengthy jail terms handed down to three Mozambican nationals convicted of rhino poaching.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_01_Mozambique nationals living illegally in SA jailed for rhino poaching_IOL.pdf | 198 KB |
Twee Angolese mans is Vrydag in die Orwetoveni-nedersetting in Otjiwarongo in hegtenis geneem, nadat hulle in besit van die vel van 'n ietermagô betrap is. Die waarde van die vel is N$50 000. In 'n onverwante voorval is 'n 31-jarige Namibiër Vrydag by die Buffalo-kontrolepunt in die Mukwe-kiesafdeling in die Kavango-Oostreek met twee olifanttande betrap.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_01_Drie in hegtenis vir wildmisdaad_Republikein.pdf | 229.19 KB |
NAM_2023_01_Three arrested for wildlife crime_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 243.71 KB |
In the paper, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, the researchers found that the illegal killing of elephants is associated with poor national governance, low law enforcement capacity, low household wealth and health, and global elephant ivory prices. They further found that forest elephant populations suffered higher rates of illegal killing than savannah elephants. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the highest value illicit trade sectors globally, with thousands of wildlife species, worth billions of dollars, being poached, trafficked and sold…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_01_Illegal killing for ivory threatens the survival of African elephants_IOL.pdf | 176.38 KB |