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The environment ministry has confirmed that thus far no ministry staff have been linked to rhino poaching cases in Namibia, while rhino poaching has declined in national parks over the years. Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said confiscated rifles from staff in the Etosha National Park and ballistic tests conducted is an investigation with the police and, so far, no staff member has been linked to any poaching case. "Should there be any such case, we will take action including criminal charges against that staff member."

According to statistics, 371 wildlife crime cases were finalised with convictions in court during the five-year period and 565 suspects were found guilty, while 63 suspects were acquitted on charges. A total of 2 950 suspects was arrested in the 1 326 wildlife crime cases reported in the past five years, of which 579 cases related to high-value species. This is according to wildlife crime summary statistics for the period 1 January 2015 until to 3 December 2020, provided in the revised National Strategy on Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement.

Despite more than 1 000 court hearings dealing with wildlife crimes taking place last year, environment minister said they continue to reverse the trends of poaching, with fewer cases recorded in the country.

Another two poached rhino carcasses have been discovered in the Etosha National Park, following an intensified two-week operation to reduce the escalating poaching problem in Namibia. Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi yesterday confirmed they are hot on the heels of the suspects and arrests are expected soon. The latest incidents bring the numbers of poached rhinos for the year to 20. This is double the number of rhino poaching incidents recorded between 2005 and the end of last year, when Namibia had lost fewer than 10 animals.

Three more rhino carcasses have been found in the Kunene Region while the Ministry of Environment and Tourism continues with its rhino dehorning programme. The total number of rhino carcasses that have been found in Namibia this year stands at 18.

There was confusion yesterday about a reported rhino poaching in the Kunene Region, which could not be confirmed by the authorities. News of the incident spread like wildfire on social media - first it was reported that four rhinos were killed, then six, and then apparently none. Some said that the carcasses were found at Palmwag Lodge yesterday morning. Neither the police nor the Ministry of Environment of Tourism was able to confirm that.