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.
Namibian authorities are investigating a surge in rhino poaching that has seen 28 rhinos poached already this year, two-thirds of them in the Southern African country's flagship Etosha National Park. It was particularly concerning that 19 rhinos were poached in Etosha this year, given the park is a focus for conservation efforts and a major international tourist attraction, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday.
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NAM_2024_04_Namibia investigates surge in rhino poaching in Etosha park_Reuters.pdf | 113.1 KB |
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SA_2024_02_Rhino poaching in South Africa increases in 2023_Reuters.pdf | 829.65 KB |
Seven suspects aged between 17 and 47 were arrested for poaching and being in possession of wildlife and weapons. According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, some wildlife species, mostly more than 20 antelope, two hunting rifles, some bush knives, some ammunition and a light delivery vehicle were all confiscated from the Mauchsburg Plantation in Pilgrim’s Rest this morning, Monday December 4, at about 03:00.
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SA_2023_12_Wildlife poachers arrested in Pilgrims Rest_Lowvelder.pdf | 448.16 KB |
A man was arrested alongside a foreigner, in the possession of elephant tusks weighing 18.7kg worth more than US$3 000. In a statement, police said Passivel Togara (47) and his accomplice were arrested by detectives who posed as buyers of the elephant tusks on 29 November 2023 in Katakura area, Rushinga.
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ZIM_2023_12_Foreigner and local man arrested in possession of 18 kg elephant tusks_The Chronicle.pdf | 113.09 KB |
Two men were arrested in possession of two elephant tusks and five pangolin scales at Magunje Growth Point.
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ZIM_2023-11_Two arrested in possession of elephant tusks and pangolin scales_The Chronicle.pdf | 497.1 KB |
A man was arrested for the possession of 22 kilograms of ivory, valued at approximately US$3 740.
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ZIM_2023_10_Man arrested for possession of 22 kg of ivory_The Chronicle.pdf | 181.12 KB |
Five men were arrested for poaching at Humani Ranch which led to the recovery of 15 kg of Impala meat and a live Pangolin. In a statement, police said: "The suspects are Peter Tendi (38), Innocent Manyezu (31), Michael Bishou (23), Hlanganayi Sithole (61)." The suspects were arrested on Monday following a tip-off. On 18/09/23, Police in Chipinge acted on received information and arrested Peter Tendi (38), Innocent Manyezu (31), Michael Bishou (23), Harunaishe Shuro (43), and Johnson Hlanganayi Sithole (61) in connection with poaching at Humani Ranch…
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ZIM_2023_09_Five arrested for poaching_The Chronicle_Breaking news.pdf | 210.22 KB |
A man was caught red handed skinning an Impala at Zambezi National Park in Victoria Falls and was arrested with 11 wire snares and carcases.
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ZIM_2023_07_Man caught skinning Impala_The Chronicle.pdf | 205.53 KB |
Three Victoria falls men have been arrested for poaching. They were found with 10,5 kilogrammes of kudu meat.
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ZIM_2023_07_Trio arrested for poaching_The Chronicle.pdf | 207.32 KB |
The FF Plus called for intensified efforts to curb poaching of wild animals in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, while the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency said the situation had been stabilised after a hectic December of dog poaching and snaring.
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SA_2023_06_Poaching rife in Manyeleti Nature Reserve_says party_LowVelder.pdf | 297.37 KB |
Two men in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North province have been arrested after police found them with a pair of elephant tusks on Thursday.
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ZIM_2023_05_Pair nabbed with elephant tusks_The Chronicle.pdf | 144.1 KB |
An alleged rhino poacher, who has been on the run from authorities since 2019, was rearrested in KaBokweni.
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SA_2023_05_Wanted rhino poaching suspect arrested in KaBokweni_Lowvelder.pdf | 283.48 KB |
Police have arrested two Hwange men for unlawful possession of ivory. In a statement on twitter police wrote: "On 30/03/23, Police in Hwange acted on a tip-off and arrested Cephas Charumbira (40) and Dickson Munkombwa (45) for a case of unlawful possession of raw unmarked ivory without a permit. Detectives recovered four pieces of elephantivory measuring approximately 2x75cm, 1x15cm, and 1x10cm from the suspects."
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ZIM_2023_03_Two arrested for ivory possession_The Chronicle.pdf | 239.47 KB |
Two Bulawayo men have been arrested for allegedly possessing ivory with a market value of over US$2 000.
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ZIM_2023_03_Two arrested for possession of ivory_The Chronicle.pdf | 185.22 KB |
A ranger's job is never done. Even in the midst of the floods the Kruger National Park is currently experiencing, some rangers detained one of their own hiding two other individuals with poaching equipment in their possession.
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SA_2023_02_KNP ranger and two others detained during floods with suspected poaching gear_Lowvelder.pdf | 259.38 KB |
Vietnamese authorities have over the past week seized more than 600 kilograms of ivory smuggled from Africa, the government said on Monday. Trade in ivory is illegal in Vietnam but wildlife trafficking remains widespread. Other items often found smuggled into the country include pangolin scales, rhino horns and tiger carcasses. Customs authorities in the northern port city of Haiphong on Monday found nearly 130 kilograms of ivory hidden in a container of cow horns originated from Africa, the government said in a statement.
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AFR_2023_02_Vietnam seizes 600 kg of ivory smuggled from Africa_Reuters.pdf | 345.73 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_Reuters.pdf | 322.79 KB |
Shiuhau Chen, a Chinese national, was found guilty on three counts of illegally dealing in rhino horns and contravening the Immigration Act in the Kempton Park Regional Court on Friday January 20.
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SA_2023_01_Chinese national found guilty of illegally dealing in rhino horns_Lowvelder.pdf | 406.72 KB |
The Kruger National Park (KNP) expects a decline in rhino poaching incidents due to heavy sentences imposed on five poachers in November. The acting managing executive of the KNP, Dr Danny Govender, commended the Skukuza Regional Court for imposing lengthy jail terms in recent cases and said it shows they are making good progress in fighting rhino poaching.
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SA_2022_12_KNP expects decline in rhino poaching_LowVelder.pdf | 401.71 KB |
On-duty field rangers working at the Tshokwane Section of the park spotted two sets of footprints at Sundwini and followed up the trail using tracking dogs. Mohlala said the two men were arrested and found in possession of a high-calibre hunting rifle with a silencer, four rounds of live ammunition, an axe, backpacks and food. "Through an investigation it was discovered that the two are from Mozambique and did not
have valid documentation to be in South Africa." He said they pleaded guilty during their first day in court, and hence were sentenced…
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SA_2022_11_Two men get six years behind bars for attempted poaching in KNP_Lowvelder.pdf | 242.92 KB |
Increased spot checks of vehicles inside the park will check for park offences such as possession of contraband and verification of identities and booking receipts of occupants inside the vehicles. Technologies being implemented include vehicle number plate recognition, remote vehicle monitoring, radar surveillance and night flying with specialised infrared cameras.
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SA_2022_11_KNP security increased for the festive season_Lowvelder.pdf | 298.87 KB |
SANParks says the proliferation of wire snares in the Lowveld is linked to criminal networks.
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SA_2022_10_The war on wire snares_Mbombela is worst hit_Lowvelder.pdf | 707.32 KB |
A man has been arrested in Hazyview for being in possession of a Pangolin, following a tip-off from a local community member. On Tuesday September 27, a private game reserve near Hazyview received the tip-off that a white Bantam bakkie was driving around town looking for a buyer for the Pangolin which is the world's most trafficked animal species.
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SA_2022_09_Hazyview man arrested in possession of endangered Pangolin_Lowvelder.pdf | 399.63 KB |
A Gokwe man has been nabbed after he was found in possession of an elephant tusk following a tip off by members of the public.
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ZIM_2022_08_Man arrested after being found in possession of elephant tusk_The Chronicle.pdf | 329.23 KB |
A total of 82 rhinos have been poached in the Kruger National Park between January and June this year.
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SA_2022_08_Rhino poaching numbers increase from 2021_Lowvelder.pdf | 152.82 KB |
Three men who had allegedly poached the four rhinos and were able to dehorn three of them, appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate's Court on Monday July 4.
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SA_2022_07_Four Kruger rhinos killed_three dehorned_Lowvelder.pdf | 410.63 KB |
Three alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park after allegedly killing four rhinos on Friday July 1.
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SA_2022_07_Three alleged poachers arrested in the Kruger National Park_Lowvelder.pdf | 133.45 KB |
It is suspected that setting snares in the Lowveld has increased by 20% from last season while the Kruger National Park has had an increase of 50%.
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SA_2022_06_Poaching by snare on the rise in the Lowveld_Lowvelder.pdf | 1.02 MB |
A 47-year-old man was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment on Friday for illegal poaching. Sam Khoza (47) was apprehended in the Kruger National Park on November 11, 2020, when a shoot-out between field rangers in the park, Khoza and his two accomplices ensued. A statement by a provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said two of the suspects evaded arrest, but Khoza, who sustained some injuries during the shooting, was captured. He was found in possession of a rifle, some ammunition as well as a silencer.
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SA_2022_05_Skukuza Regional Court sentences poacher to nine years imprisonment_Lowvelder.pdf | 446.05 KB |
Two elephants are suspected to have been killed by poisoning by poachers after they were found dead in the Sentinel Safaris area which is part of Zimbabwe’s component of the Greater Mapungubwe Trans-frontier Conservation Area (GMTCA). The mega-park is made up of communal lands and national parks from Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
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ZIM_2022_05_Two Zimbabwe elephants poisoned by poachers_The Chronicle.pdf | 583.4 KB |
Community participation is key to reducing wildlife crimes amid concerns that the country is losing revenue as a result of poaching. Poachers kill elephants for their tusks and rhinos for their horns. The official value of ivory is US$250 per kilogramme yet poachers can sell it for as little as US$50 per kilogramme.
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ZIM_2022_04_Zim losing forex to poaching_The Chronicle.pdf | 380.12 KB |
The reopening of the Skukuza Regional Court is producing positive results, with a 100% conviction rate for rhino poachers over the past two years. The court had been closed by the Mpumalanga Regional Court president Naomi Engelbrecht in August 2019, who wanted it to be moved to Mhala Court about 100 kilometres from Skukuza. However, this decision was overruled and the court was reopened again in April 2021.
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SA_2022_04_Poachers face full might of the law in Skukuza court_Lowvelder.pdf | 526.82 KB |
Sibusiso Mahlaule (29), George Manyise (30) and Rodrigues Ngobeni (34) did not escape the might of the law and were sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching on Friday March 11. The three were caught by field rangers in Kruger National Park on April 18, 2021. It was reported that the rangers, working at Pretoriuskop, had discovered some tracks that brought the presence of intruders to their attention.
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SA_2022_03_Three poachers plead guilty and sentenced by Skukuza Regional Court_Lowvelder.pdf | 608.19 KB |
Poaching activities around Hwange National Park went down last year, thanks to the involvement of local communities in anti-poaching campaigns. Poaching remains one of the main threats to the survival of painted dogs found in the area. Covid-19 induced lockdowns worsened the situation over the past two years.
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ZIM_Anti_poaching campaigns pay off in Hwange_The Chronicle.pdf | 485.66 KB |
Mpumalanga's AB Steyn and Limpopo's Dawie Groenewald appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on February 23 and 24. The pair's previous appearance was on December 10 last year when the case was postponed for the fourth time. Some issues were raised by each of their legal representatives yesterday including that the state was dragging its feet in the case, that the state should be held responsible for the teams' travel costs because of the delays, and that documents were not presented in the way they were supposed to be.
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SA_2022_02_Alleged rhino horn possession case goes to Nelspruit Regional Court in June_Lowvelder.pdf | 584.56 KB |
A man has been arrested for unlawful possession of ivory after he was found with two elephant tusks. Police confirmed the arrest which occurred in Victoria Falls on February 21.
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ZIM_2022_02_Man arrested after being found with elephant tusks_The Chronicle.pdf | 486.59 KB |
Three Bulawayo men were on Tuesday arrested after police found them in possession of a lion skin which they had stashed inside a bag.
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ZIM_2022_02_Three men arrested for possession of lion skin_The Chronicle.pdf | 873.37 KB |
Authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo have seized $3.5 million worth of ivory, rhinoceros horn and pangolin scales in a joint operation with United States officials, the U.S. embassy in Kinshasa said on Monday. Two wildlife traffickers were also arrested in the United States on Nov. 4, following a more than two-year investigation between the two countries and global police agency Interpol.
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CON_2021_11_Congo seizes us3_5 mln of ivory_rhino horn and pangolin scales_Reuters.pdf | 1.89 MB |
Two Victoria Falls men, one of them a neighbourhood watch committee (NWC) member, have been fined $6 000 each for trapping animals with wire snares.
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ZIM_2021_10_Suspended sentences for wire snare poachers_The Chronicle.pdf | 1.92 MB |
The court case against the alleged poaching kingpin, Joseph "Big Joe" Nyalungu, has been postponed until February 14, 2022, when his trial will expectedly begin in the Skukuza Regional Court. According to Monica Nyuswa, the spokesperson or the National Prosecuting Authority, the trial was postponed because the court’s recording equipment was out of order. Nyalungu would have appeared with his South African co-accused on Tuesday September 21, while the accused from Mozambique were expected to appear on Thursday September 23.
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SA_2021_09_Faulty court equipment leads to postponement of Big Joe case_Lowvelder.pdf | 475.97 KB |
AB Steyn and Dawie Groenewald appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court again on September 17 after they had been arrested in Mbombela on July 20. The pair was arrested for the alleged possession of 19 rhino horns on July 20, and after appearing in court on July 23 for the first time, they were released on bail of R50 000 each. Following their appearance today (September 17) the case was again postponed to December 10 for further investigation.
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SA_2021_09_Case of alleged possession of rhino horn postponed again_Lowvelder.pdf | 586.59 KB |
SANParks and security partners in the Greater Kruger Region are jointly implementing a range of interventions as part of an integrated wildlife management approach to counter the effects of wildlife crime, in particular rhino poaching.
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SA_2021_07_SANParks and Greater Kruger partners to strengthen their anti_poaching approach_Lowvelder.pdf | 443.61 KB |
Four suspected poachers have been arrested after being found in possession of elephant tusks worth nearly US$3 000.
The men were arrested on Wednesday afternoon for the illegal possession of 19 rhino horns.
The two men who were arrested for the illegal possession and selling of rhino horns on Wednesday, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday afternoon. They are Schalk Abraham Steyn (48), better known to Lowvelders as AB, and Limpopo game farmer, Dawid Groenewald (52).
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SA_2021_07_ Accused in Mbombela rhino horn bust identified_Lowvelder.pdf | 975.63 KB |
Two men from Bulawayo appeared in court for possessing about 16kg of ivory without a licence.
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ZIM_2021_07_Two men found in possession of Ivory_The Chronicle.pdf | 366.48 KB |
Two men from Madumabisa outside Hwange town have been sentenced to nine years in jail after they were caught in a bush in Matetsi with a live pangolin.
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ZIM_2021_07_Two men jailed nine years each for poaching pangolin_The Chronicle.pdf | 376.24 KB |
Gunshots ensued when a private walking safari concession came across suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park. SANParks announced today that a suspected poacher was fatally wounded in a contact situation with guides of a private walking safari concession in the Kruger National Park (KNP). The incident took place in the early hours of Friday July 2. The guides were on a walk with one guest when they came across a group of three suspected poachers.
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SA_2021_07_Suspected poacher reportedly wounded in the Kruger_Lowvelder.pdf | 240.67 KB |
An anti-poaching scout in Victoria Falls and his friend have been arrested for selling Kudu meat after finding the animal's carcass in a bush.
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ZIM_2021_05_ Anti_poaching scout nabbed selling Kudu meat_The Chronicle.pdf | 779.97 KB |
The strict limits on travel, including international travel, imposed in March last year had the happy side effect of keeping poachers at bay. In 2020, 394 rhinos were poached, 30% fewer than the year before and the lowest yearly tally since 2011. But then South Africa began easing international travel restrictions in November. "Since November, December last year and into 2021, this landscape and particularly Kruger National Park has been experiencing serious numbers of rhino poaching incidents," said Jo Shaw, the Africa Rhino Lead for WWF International Network.