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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.

Poachers have struck a horrible blow in the Uukwaluundhi Conservancy, located in the Omusati Region, by killing four black rhino and wounding three others. The rhino carcasses were discovered last Thursday when the newly established association aiming to protect rhinos in Namibia, HoRN.nam, was called in to assist in tracking rhino in the conservancy. According Jaco Muller from HoRN.nam, he was contacted by the concession holder of the conservancy Wouter Smit, who expressed concern over the fact that their rhino have "not been seen much lately".

As rhino poaching in Namibia is increasing dramatically, concerned rhino owners yesterday gathered at Okahandja to launch a new organisation focusing on the protection of the rhino. However, debate was sparked about the government’s involvement and the legalisation of trading in rhino horn. One of the issues raised by rhino owners was the fact that the organisation was not driven by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and that there seemed to be a lack of involvement from the ministry's side.