The Namibian Police have reported a fatal shooting incident in which three suspected poachers were fatally shot by members of the Anti-Poaching Unit in Etosha National Park. According to Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, media liaison officer within the Namibian Police, the incident occurred on Friday, 15 November 2024, at around 19:00. During routine foot and vehicle patrols along the park’s fence, members of the Anti-Poaching Unit observed shoe prints indicating entry into the park through the fence. "The following day, on Saturday, 16 November 2024, members of the unit divided into two teams to track the shoe prints of the suspected poachers. However, when the suspected poachers noticed they were being pursued, an exchange of fire ensued between them and the Anti-Poaching Unit. This led to three suspected poachers being fatally shot. No member of the Anti-Poaching Unit was injured during the exchange of fire. When the scene was inspected, it was established that the poachers were armed with three rifles, one of which had a silencer attached. Additionally, the poachers were wearing anti-tracking fibres on their feet to avoid leaving footprints," Kuwinga said. He added that the identities of the suspected poachers are yet to be established, as no identification documents were found on their bodies. "The bodies are being kept at the Oshakati Police Mortuary. The Namibian Police Force is requesting anyone with information about the poachers or anyone missing a loved one to visit the Oshakati Police Mortuary for possible identification of the deceased. The Police Regional Commander of Oshana and Gold Commander of the Yesa Ongava Anti-Poaching Operation in Etosha National Park, Commissioner N. L. Sakaria, can be contacted regarding this matter on 081 124 7341," Kuwinga concluded.