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.
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NAM_2024_05_Other cases relating to poaching to be joined in Brockerhoff case_Informante.pdf | 112.8 KB |
One of the two suspected rhino poachers killed in a recent shootout at the Etosha border fence near Oshivello was out on bail for two previous poaching cases in the Okahao Court in 2020. The police identified the two poachers as Iishulu Johannes (30) and Mashuna Timoteus (40) and confirmed that the two were related. The police revealed that Timoteus had no other pending cases against him, while Johannes had a criminal history, with four pending cases, two of which were related to poaching.
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NAM_2024_05_Etosha poachers identified_one with prior poaching cases_Informante.pdf | 62.64 KB |
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NAM_2024_05_Five suspects arrested for rhino poaching in Gobabis_Informante.pdf | 253.66 KB |
Two suspected poachers were shot to death in an exchange of fire with members of the anti-poaching unit in the Etosha National Park on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the Scorpionbelt, Western Zone, when a patrol of the anti-poaching unit observed shoeprints that had entered the park through the park's fence. According to the police, the suspects' tracks were pursued for a distance of 60 km up to a water point where Rhinos mostly feed on small shrubs.
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NAM_2024_05_Suspected poachers killed in exchange of fire with cops in Etosha_Informante.pdf | 63.5 KB |
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NAM_2024_04_Neue Nashorn_Initiative_Allgemeine Zeitung.pdf | 211.91 KB |
NAM_2024_04_New rhino initiative_Allgemeine Zeitung_Eng.pdf | 182.44 KB |
The Anti-poaching unit of the Environment Ministry, together with other law enforcement agencies, has arrested two suspected poachers and is tracking four others who are suspected to be moving in the area between Omuthiya and Oshivelo in the Oshikoto Region. This follows after two rhino carcasses were discovered in the Etosha National Park recently. Four rhino horns and firearms were confiscated when two suspects, aged 31 and 44, were arrested on Sunday.
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NAM_2024_05_Two suspected rhino poachers arrested, four still on the run_Informante.pdf | 58.79 KB |
Two men are expected to appear in the Vryheid magistrate's court after they were arrested with two rhino horns and a rie hidden in their car's engine compartment. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lt-Col Nqobile Gwala said ofcers acted on information about the suspects and spotted their vehicle on the R34 travelling towards Vryheid and a high-speed chase ensued.
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SA_2024_19_Police arrest two men with rhino horns after high_speed car chase_Timeslive.pdf | 414.61 KB |
A man has been arrested for contravening Act 04/1975, Section 30, related to the hunting of huntable game at Farm Hamis in the Khomas region. According to the police weekend report, it is alleged that two suspects entered Farm Hamis and shot a kudu bull without permission. The farm workers heard the gunshot and responded by alerting the Namibian police, who acted promptly and arrested one of the suspected poachers. The second suspect fled the scene with the hunting rifle and has not yet been apprehended. The kudu carcass was recovered and valued at N$6,000.
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NAM_202_11_One Arrested for Illegal Hunting_Informante.pdf | 56.64 KB |
The Namibian police in the Otjozondjupa Region have arrested two suspected illegal hunters, thanks to a rental vehicle that exposed their whereabouts. The two suspects, aged 23 and 46, were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as carcasses of two kudu bulls, two waterbucks, and an oryx, with an estimated total value of N$35,000. According to the police, the illegal hunting was uncovered accidentally through a rental vehicle they were travelling in.
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NAM_2023_11_Rental car exposes illegal hunting_Informante.pdf | 58.37 KB |
Alert farmworkers at Farm Eden, one of the most remote but iconic farms in the Otjozondjupa Region, prevented rhino poaching in the area, subsequently leading to the arrest of three suspected poachers.
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NAM_2023_11_Farmworkers halt rhino poaching in Otjozondjupa_ Informante.pdf | 57.36 KB |
Another case of dealing in controlled wildlife products has been reported in Kavango West, involving a 29-year-old man who was found with two pangolin skins on Tuesday. This comes after two men, aged 36 and 44, were arrested for being in possession of a live pangolin in Kakoro village recently. NamPol spokesperson Inspector Raimbert Muronga said that the 29-year-old suspect was arrested around 13:00 in Nkurenkuru town.
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NAM_2023_11_Another arrest for pangolin trading in Kavango West_Informante.pdf | 94.32 KB |
Two men, aged 36 and 44, were arrested after being found in possession of a live pangolin in Kakoro village, Kavango West. NamPol Head of Media, Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, reported that the arrests occurred on Sunday around 16:00. Both suspects are Namibian nationals. "They were apprehended after being discovered in possession of a live pangolin valued at N$50 000 during a police operation," he said. Kuwinga said that the duo is facing charges related to dealing with and possessing controlled wildlife products.
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NAM_2023_11_Two caught with live pangolin_Informante.pdf | 100.62 KB |
Meanwhile, the police at Outjo in the Kunene region arrested a 28-year-old suspect while he was transporting a rhinohorn on Friday evening. He was apprehended when the police stopped and searched the vehicle he was traveling inbetween Outjo and Okaukuejo. The rhino horn’s estimated value is N$300,000.
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NAM_2023_10_Cannabis mandrax and rhino horn possession lands six behind bars_Informante.pdf | 61.38 KB |
A high-speed chase forced three suspects to abandon their vehicle, rhino horn, communications tower battery, silencer, firearm and ammunition while evading arrest. They were intercepted by Volksrust, Mpumalanga, police conducting a stop and search operation at 10pm in Mandela Drive on Monday, police said.
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SA_2023_10_Rhino horn traffickers foiled_TimesLive.pdf | 233.67 KB |
Shifeta said that Namibia still experiences illegal hunting of rhinos as well as illegal trade in rhino horns. "The greatest threat to the rhino population is illegal hunting. This year, (39) rhinos have been poached in Namibia, compared to (92) in 2022, (50) in 2021, (47) in 2020, and (61) in 2019," Shifeta said.
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NAM_2023_09_Shifeta introduces horse patrols to combat rhino poaching_Informante.pdf | 935.65 KB |
A 62-year-old pensioner man was arrested for shooting a Duiker and monitor lizard worth N$23 400. The incident occurred at farm 39 in Mangetti Cattle Range, Kavango West.
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NAM_2023_09_Pensioner caught for killing protected game_Informante.pdf | 58.77 KB |
The Limpopo endangered species unit arrested three suspects after were allegedly found in possession of a pangolin in Bochum n Sunday. They were charged with wildlife trafficking and contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Members of the unit, acting on a tip-off arrested the three suspects who were trying to sell the pangolin.
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SA_2023_09_Three arrested after allegedly trying to sell a pangolin in Bochum_TimesLive.pdf | 153.46 KB |
Two former government officials have been sentenced for corruption and money laundering linked to the abalone trade, the Hawks confirmed on Saturday. The officials, Winston Mervin Busch and Nomvuyo Concellia Motloung, were among a group of 18 suspects arrested in a 2018 swoop on an abalone syndicate operating in the Western Cape. The group comprised several marine inspectors from the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as several members of an abalone poaching syndicate, the Hawks said. Twelve of the group have now been sentenced.
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SA_2023_09_Two government officials sentenced in landmark abalone case_Times Live.pdf | 393.11 KB |
A case of hunting of specially protected game without a permit is being investigated by the police in Otjozondjupa after a carcass of a female black Rhinoceros was found at a water hole.
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NAM_2023_08_Police search for rhino poaching suspects_Informante.pdf | 111.05 KB |
Two men aged 26 and 34 were arrested after being found in possession of one leopard skin at Hochfeld T-Junction.
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NAM_2023_08_Two caught with leopard skin in Otjozondjupa_Informante.pdf | 58.78 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) is concerned about the increasing use of snares to illegally hunt and kill wild animals in Etosha National Park. This comes after wire snares were discovered and retrieved in Etosha National Park.
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NAM_2023_08_62 wire snares retrieved at Etosha_Informante.pdf | 454.29 KB |
A 47-year-old farm owner has been arrested for murder following the death of a suspected poacher who was shot and killed on Saturday evening, with his lifeless body discovered only on Sunday morning. The incident occurred in the Otavi area in the Otjozondjupa Region.
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NAM_2023_08_Farm owner arrested following the death of a suspected poacher_Informante.pdf | 58.28 KB |
The police in Otjozondjupa arrested 5 men aged 41, 31, 29, and 33 for illegal hunting of protected animals on Friday. The suspects were allegedly caught on Friday around 00h00 on D2172 road in Ovitoto, Okahandja District. They face charges of illegal hunting of game and being found in possession of huntable game. According to the police weekend report issued on Sunday, the suspects were arrested after being found with half anOryx game meat at a mini road block and failed to account or produce any permit.
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NAM_2023_07_Five caught for illegal hunting_Informante.pdf | 56.86 KB |
The police in the Otjozondjupa region arrested two men aged 27 and 31 for allegedly attempting to poach a Rhino at a lodge outside Otjiwarongo. The two face charges of illegal hunting of protected game and trespassing.
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NAM_2023_07_Two Rhino poachers caught_three on the run_Informante.pdf | 147.48 KB |
James Uerikua, the Governor of Otjozondjupa Region, expressed concern over the high number of stock theft cases and illegal hunting of game in the region. Uerikua made these remarks during his recent State of the Region Address (SORA).
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NAM_2023_07_Small stock and illegal hunting concerns Uerikua_Informante.pdf | 340.24 KB |
An Angolan national, who is part of a group of workers doing debushing work at a farm in the Otjiwarongo area, has been arrested for alleged illegal hunting of an Oryx. The incident was discovered by farm workers at around 10:00 on Saturday during a routine patrol at the farm Otjipoto near Osire. They found an Oryx caught up in a wire snare and identified shoe prints of a suspect at the scene. The farm workers reported the matter to the police, who tracked the shoe prints to the houses accommodating the workers involved in the debushing work at the farm.
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NAM_2023_07_Angolan national arrested near Osire for illegal hunting_Informante.pdf | 130.96 KB |
Cape Town police arrested a 43-year-old man for operating an illegal abalone processing facility at a house in Constantia. They seized abalone worth about R2m.
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SA_2023_07_Illegal abalone processing facility uncovered in upmarket Constantia_TimesLive.pdf | 510.09 KB |
A poacher from Mozambique has been convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing two rhinos in the Kruger National Park.
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SA_2023_07_Poacher sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing two rhinos_TimesLive.pdf | 223.52 KB |
Nampol in Omusati thwart a rhino poaching expedition and confiscate the rifle.
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NAM_2023_06_Nampol in Omusati thwart a rhino poaching expedition and confiscate the rifle_informante.pdf | 236.66 KB |
The Namibian police have reported another wildlife crime, as two rhinos were poached in the Outjo district on an unknown date in June. According to the weekend crime bulletin, the incident involved the hunting of specially protected game species without a permit and theft of rhino horns. It is alleged that unknown suspects unlawfully and intentionally hunted and killed two white rhinos, with a value estimated at N$660,000. The carcasses were recovered, no arrests have been made, and police investigations are ongoing.
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NAM_2023_06_Two rhinos poached in Outjo_Informante.pdf | 105.98 KB |
Seven people have been arrested in relation to three wildlife crimes that took place between 17 and 23 April. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, these incidents occurred in the Kavango East, Kunene, and Erongo Regions. Two out of the three cases reported during that period involve high-value species. In the first case, registered at the Opuwo Police Station in the Kunene Region, the police arrested three men for possessing four counterfeit rhino horns.
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NAM_2023_06_Seven arrested in relation to three wildlife crimes_Informante.pdf | 173.55 KB |
Satellite-tagged vultures uncover two suspected poisoning incidents near Kafue National Park. Conservation groups alongside Africa Parks and Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife have been using a myriad of tools to protect Kafue's wildlife, including deploying some 40 anti-poaching patrol teams. One of the more innovative approaches is tagging white-backed and hooded vultures with satellite trackers to quickly alert wildlife managers of poached or poisoned carcasses.
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ZAM_2023_06_Vulture surveillance system alerts Zambian park to poachers_TimesLive.pdf | 242 KB |
Josephina Johannes was granted bail on Monday after appearing in the Tsumeb Magistrates Court. Johannes is accused of being in possession of protected game bird meat without a permit. According to Oshikoto Community Affairs Officer Inspector Ellen Nehale, the accused was granted bail of N$5,000, and the case was postponed to August 17, 2023, pending further investigation.
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NAM_2023_05_Woman granted bail for possession of wild bird carcasses_Informante.pdf | 213.33 KB |
A 51-year-old man is expected to appear in a Free State court after he was found with abalone shells worth more than R300,000. The man was arrested in Bayswater in Mangaung on Thursday afternoon after intelligence-led information led police to his home, Free State police spokesperson Lt-Col Thabo Covane said. "A team made up of tactical response team members and detectives arrived at the targeted unit in the identified complex at about 12.45pm." Members tactically gained access to the unit and found the male hiding inside the bedroom.
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SA_2023_05_Man arrested in Free State with 782 abalone shells worth R300K_TimesLive.pdf | 222.56 KB |
Three poachers who were ambushed on the western edge of Etosha National Park on Wednesday have evaded capture by the Namibian police stationed there. According to Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Police Gold Commander at Etosha, the criminals managed to escape before they could be apprehended. However, Sakaria said that the poachers left behind their identification cards and equipment.
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NAM_2023_05_Three individuals wanted for poaching activities in Etosha_Informante.pdf | 123.06 KB |
The Namibian police in the Omusati Region are seeking to arrest a known suspect who allegedly shot and killed an elephant on Sunday in the Onamwege village in the Ruacana constituency. The suspect is wanted for several criminal charges, including violating the Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 1975, as amended, and the Arms and Ammunition Act 7 of 1996. According to reports, the suspect killed the elephant without a permit using a 303 rifle and ammunition for which he has no license.
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NAM_2023_05_Man wanted for illegal hunting of elephant near Ruacana_Informante.pdf | 57.77 KB |
The discovery of three rhino carcasses has led to the arrest of eight suspects, of which three were identified as anti-poaching security personnel on a private farm in the Outjo District. According to Romeo Muyunda, Public Relations Officer, within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, on 7 April 2023, two suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of one pair of rhino horns in yet another operation by security forces on the Outjo-Otavi Road.
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NAM_2023_04_Three Anti_Poaching Officers arrested for Poaching over Easter_Informante.pdf | 61.64 KB |
Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Oshana Regional Police Commander, was recently named the Gold Commander for the Etosha National Park Anti-poaching Safety and Security squad. Sakaria was named on March 23 and will, for the next six months, be in charge of directing the joint Nampol/NDF operational work in the Etosha National Park. He said that he will concurrently be in charge of the Oshana Region and also the anti-poaching operations in Etosha. "I have already been to Etosha, rotated the personnel and properly briefed them," he said.
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NAM_2023_03_No more poaching in Etosha_says Sakaria_Informante.pdf | 129.96 KB |
Two people were detained Wednesday after they were found in possession of a skin of a pangolin which is a protected species. The two were apprehended at a temporary roadblock on the Omuthiya-Ondangwa main road. They are both from Windhoek. According to the regional commander of the police in Oshikoto, Commissioner Teopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, the skin is valued N$50 000.
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NAM_2023_03_Two arrested for alleged possession of a pangolin skin_Informante.pdf | 56.35 KB |
The Namibian Police have arrested two men, aged 47 and 27, who allegedly shot and killed two black rhinos (a cow and a calf) on a farm in the Dordabis area, Khomas Region. According to Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, spokesperson of the Namibian Police, the incident happened on Thursday, 16 March 2023, at about 09:00. It is alleged that the two suspects shot and killed two rhinos and were also found with a 375-calibre firearm, with 13 live cartridges and three spent cartridges. The rhinos are worth N$500 000 each. Two rhino horns were also found at the scene.
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NAM_2023_03_Two rhinos shot and poached in Dordabis_Informante.pdf | 60.58 KB |
A 33-year-old man has been jailed for five years after being caught transporting rhino horns to Johannesburg on June 22 last year.
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SA_2023_02_Man jailed for five years for possession of rhino horns_TimesLive.pdf | 229.63 KB |
Eastern Cape police have arrested two suspects for possession of abalone worth R1.8m in Gqeberha.
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SA_2023_02_Two suspects bust for possession of abalone worth R1.8m in Gqeberha_TimesLive.pdf | 297.41 KB |
The number of endangered rhinos poached in Namibia reached an all-time high last year after 87 animals were killed compared to 45 in 2021, official government data showed on Monday. The ministry of environment, forestry and tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said poachers killed 61 black and 26 white rhinos mainly in Namibia's largest park, Etosha, where 46 rhinos were found dead.
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NAM_2023_01_Namibia rhino poaching surged 93 percent in 2022_Times Live.pdf | 228.55 KB |
A sea, air and mountain (Seam) special operations ranger was injured by a suspected poacher who was resisting arrest at the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in the early hours of Tuesday. About 11.30pm on Monday, the park's operations room staff received information about suspected poachers operating in the park’s marine protected area near Glencairn. "Seam operators responded and, with the assistance of the police, successfully stopped a vehicle suspected of being involved in the incident," South African National Parks said in a statement.
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SA_2023_01_Table Mountain ranger attacked as six alleged abalone poachers arrested_TimesLive.pdf | 257.11 KB |
Pongola Game Reserve East (PGRE) in KwaZulu-Natal will move about 69 elephants back onto its property to other protected areas to stem a bloody poaching war. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said they will engage the game reserve to relocate them as soon as protected areas with adequate carrying capacity for elephants have been identified. This was an attempt to resolve the long-standing human/wildlife conflict caused by elephants from the private game reserve and has contributed to the rise in elephant poaching incidents.
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SA_2023_01_Elephants to be relocated from KZN reserve to stem poaching slaughter_TimesLive.pdf | 397.14 KB |
Two suspected mountain zebra hunters were arrested in the Maltahohe area on Friday. They face charges of "hunting of specially protected game without a permit".
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NAM_2022_12_Suspected mountain zebra hunters nabbed_Informante.pdf | 66.41 KB |
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) has recorded 63 rhinos poached since the start of the year, of which 41 are black rhinos and 22 are white rhinos. Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said this year’s poaching cases include 15 rhinos poached on custodianship farms, another 22 on private farms, and 26 in the Etosha National Park. In previous years, 44 rhinos were recorded poached in 2021, 42 in 2020, 57 in 2019, 83 in 2018, and 55 in 2017.
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NAM_2022_11_More rhinos poached than elephants_Informante.pdf | 62.56 KB |
In August 2019, the rangers were doing their daily routine in Stolznek section using a helicopter when the accused were spotted. They were found in possession of a firearm, ammunition and hunting weapons and were arrested. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Lot Mgiba handed in a ballistics report which revealed the firearm that was found in his possession was meant to poach rhinos. Though Sithlangu was sentenced to 14 years for these offences, the court ordered that the terms run concurrently, resulting in an effective 11-year jail term.
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SA_2022_11_Poacher arrested in Kruger Park sentenced to 11 years_TimesLive.pdf | 245.49 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism reported two newly registered wildlife crime cases, and arrested three suspects in relation to the possession of protected wildlife skins. The Ministry of Environment reported that on 8 November 2022, two suspects, identified as Tjizire Kohongo and Angula Kafidi, were arrested after being found in possession of a leopard's skin.
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NAM_2022_11_Three arrested for possession of leopard_African skunk skins_Informante.pdf | 59.58 KB |
Poachers recently killed and de-horned a black rhinoceros at Chipinge Safari Camp. ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, confirmed the incident to The Manica Post saying the decomposing carcass of the black rhinoceros was found on 12 October. He said: Poachers sneaked into Chipinge Safari Camp armed with unknown rifles. They proceeded to one of the water points along the Chidimayi River on the safari where they shot and killed a black rhinoceros.
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ZIM_2022_10_Poachers kill and de_horn black rhino_Pindula.pdf | 193.88 KB |