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.
Some of the rhinos at Addo Elephant National Park are now collared with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to secure their safety. This is a first-of-its-kind intervention at the Park. Smart algorithms continuously monitor the rhino's behaviour and in the event of an incident, an alert is generated that pinpoints the rhino's location via GPS. This enables the effective, real-time investigation of possible poaching incidents. Behaviours that can be tracked include fighting, mating, giving birth and death.
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SA_2024_04_Artificial Intelligence Tracking Rhinos At Addo Elephant National Park_SANParks.pdf | 168.38 KB |
Three Botswana citizens who after they were found guilty, admitted in an appeal application hearing on Wednesday, 24 April, in the High Court in Kimberley that they illegally crossed the border with illegal ammunition to illegally hunt rhinos on a Northern Cape farm. An accomplice of theirs died in a shootout with the farm workers and game rangers. In March, acting judge Cordelia Kgopa found they must have foreseen that someone would die during their raid and found them guilty of the murder of K.J. Matshetse, their accomplice. He died in the crossfire.
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SA_2024-04_Rhino poachers appeal dismissed in Kimberley High Court_News24.pdf | 505.56 KB |
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NAM_2024_04_Rhino exports_Namibia considered a transit route_Namibian Sun.pdf | 328.01 KB |
A staggering 499 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa in 2023, an MENU increase of 51 on the poaching numbers for 2022. This disappointing figure is a chilling reminder that the South African government and wildlife authorities have not got poaching under control. Barbara Creecy, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE), said when releasing the annual poaching figures that poaching had dropped in Kruger National Park, previously the focal point of rhino crime.
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SA_2024_04_Rising rhino poaching in South Africa_Ecologist.pdf | 412.48 KB |
A staggering 499 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa in 2023, an increase of 51 on the poaching numbers for 2022. This disappointing figure is a chilling reminder that the South African government and wildlife authorities have not got poaching under control. Barbara Creecy, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment (DFFE), said when releasing the annual poaching figures that poaching had dropped in Kruger National Park, previously the focal point of rhino crime.
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SA_2024-04_Rising rhino poaching in South Africa_The Ecologist.pdf | 215.77 KB |
Environmentalists in Namibia have accused local wildlife officials of hiding the real extent of rhino poaching in the Etosha National Park, which holds the highest concentration of black rhinos in the world. The Ministry of Environment recently acknowledged that rhino killings at the park quadrupled during the first quarter of 2024. Namibian police apprehended two suspects Sunday for the killing of an adult female black rhino and a medium-sized male calf black rhino at the park's waterhole earlier that day.
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NAM_2024_04_Namibia rhino poaching on rise in first quarter of 2024_Voice of America.pdf | 28.05 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 |
A total of 707 suspects have been arrested in connection with rhino poaching between January 2023 and March of this year. Currently, 589 suspects are in custody awaiting trial, 91 suspects have been convicted, 21 are out on bail, five have been released, two were acquitted, and one suspect has died. Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta provided these statistics during his budget motivation for the 2024-2025 financial year.
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NAM_2024_04_Hundreds behind bars for rhino poaching_Namibian Sun.pdf | 65.67 KB |
Private Nashornbesitzer fürchten, dass Namibia den Kampf gegen die Wilderei verliert – während die Regierung nicht genug beisteuert. "Wir kämpfen einen Krieg, den wir nicht gewinnen werden", sagte ein empörter Nashornbesitzer, der seine Breitmaulnashörner an Wilderer verloren hat, gegenüber Namibia Media Holdings (NMH). Zuvor hatte das Umweltministerium schockiert mitgeteilt, dass in den ersten drei Monaten des Jahres 28 Nashörner in Namibia gewildert wurden. "Zwei Drittel meiner Nashornpopulation sind verschwunden!
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NAM_2024_04_Wir verlieren den Kampf_Allgemeine Zeitung.pdf | 64.89 KB |
NAM_2024_04_We are losing the fight_Allgemeine Zeitung_Eng.pdf | 59.1 KB |
Tierärzte haben einem Nashorn eine Drahtschlinge aus dem Bein operiert. Ein schon älteres und ziemlich großes Nashorn auf einer Farm im Süden Namibias mit einer alten und teilweise verheilten Wunde am linken Hinterbein fing wieder an zu humpeln. Tierärzte stellten fest, dass der Dickhäuter seit Jahren eine Drahtschlinge, wie sie Wilderer gebrauchen, in ihrem unteren Bein verwachsen mit sich herumschleppte. Die Nashornkuh war damals wohl den Wilddieben entkommen und die Wunde verheilte, indem sich Gewebe um die Drahtschlinge bildete.
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NAM_2024_Urgent meeting called to discuss steep rise in rhino poaching_Namibian Sun.pdf | 71.82 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has recorded 28 cases of rhino poaching in Namibia this year so far. Out of these 28 cases, 19 rhinos were poached in the Etosha National Park, and 10 carcasses of the animals were discovered during dehorning operations in March. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, has expressed concern about the poaching situation in the Etosha National Park, which is a flagship tourist attraction in Namibia. The park has a high number of rhinos and other wildlife species.
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NAM_2024_04_Security cluster to meet after 28 rhino were poached this year_Windhoek Observer.pdf | 198.8 KB |
'n Dringende hoëvlak-vergadering tussen die ministerie van omgewing, bosbou en toerisme en sekuriteitsgroepe is belê nadat 28 renosters in die eerste drie maande van die jaar in Namibië gestroop is. Uit die 28 renosters is 19 in die Etosha Nasionale Park gestroop. Volgens die ministerie se woordvoerder Romeo Muyunda is tien van die 19 gestroopte renosters in die park verlede maand tydens onthoringsoperasies ontdek.
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NAM_2024_04_28 renosters reeds vanjaar gestroop_Republikein.pdf | 63.11 KB |
NAM_2024_04_28 rhinos already poached this year _Republikein_Eng.pdf | 61.37 KB |
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NAM_2024_04_Namibie bekommerd oor renosterstropery_Maroela Media.pdf | 147.43 KB |
NAM_2024_04_Namibia worried about rhino poaching_Maroela Media.pdf | 112.44 KB |
Five suspects in Limpopo have been arrested for rhino poaching and illegal trades if elephant tusks. According to Sowetan Live, Col Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson, stated that the men were apprehended by the endangered species unit and wildlife security on Thursday. The five men who four of them are reported to be foreigners and one South African are expected to appear at the Letsitele and Maake magistrates’ court.
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SA_2024_04_Five men arrested for rhino poaching in Limpopo_The South African.pdf | 152.58 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has reported a distressing surge in rhino poaching incidents, with 28 rhinos poached in the country so far this year. Of particular concern is the discovery of 19 poached rhinos within the iconic Etosha National Park, 10 found during dehorning operations throughout March. Ministerial spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said in a statement. Muyunda said the recent spate of poaching threatens not only the rhino population but also the integrity of this vital tourism attraction.
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NAM_2024_04_Surge in rhino poaching incidents continues_28 rhinos poached to date_Namibia Economist.pdf | 796.25 KB |
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 |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has recorded 28 rhinos poached in Namibia from January to date. This was announced yesterday in a media statement by ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda. “It is concerning to note that 19 were poached in Etosha National Park, of which 10 were discovered during dehorning operations throughout the month of March,” he said.
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NAM_2024_04_Environment ministry records 28 rhinos poached this year_The Namibian.pdf | 118.59 KB |
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NAM_2024_04_Enormer Anstieg der Wilderei_Allgemeine Zeitung.pdf | 53.66 KB |
NAM_2024_04_Enormous increase in poaching_Allgemeine Zeitung_Eng.pdf | 48.4 KB |
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Update on the elephant and rhino poaching in namibia.pdf | 344.51 KB |
Vanaf 17 tot 23 Februarie is beslag op twee renosterhorings gelê. Drie vermeende renosterstropers in die Etosha Nasionale Park, mnre. Festus Simon, Johannes Valombola en Efraim Malakia, is op 18 Februarie by Okahao in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die polisie is twee renosterhorings, twee .303-jaggewere, 30 patrone en 'n voertuig gekonfiskeer.
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NAM_2020-02_Drie stroop glo renoster in Etosha_Republikein.pdf | 8.33 MB |
NAM_2020-02_Three poach rhino in Etosha_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 8.31 MB |
A senior police ocer at Oshakati’s protected resources unit was the mastermind behind the poaching incidences which occurred in Etosha National Park last month.
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NAM_2020-02_Senior cop arrested over rhino poaching_New Era Live.pdf | 985.01 KB |
Nege verdagtes is verlede week in verband met renosterstropery of -horingsmokkelary in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die wildmisdaadverslag van 17 tot 23 Februarie is beslag op twee renosterhorings gelê. Een likkewaan, 58 ammunisie, vyf vuurwapens en een voertuig is ook gekonfiskeer.
Nine suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or horn smuggling last week. According to the wildlife crime report of 17 to 23 February, two rhino horns were seized.
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NAM_2020-02_Nege vas oor renosterhorings_Republikein.pdf | 8.36 MB |
NAM-2020-02_Nine arrested for rhino horns_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 5.95 MB |
Kruger National Park, South Africa - Officials at South African National Parks say cooperation with neighboring Mozambique has been a key factor in reducing rhinoceros poaching in the famous Kruger National Park. Kruger is home to the world's largest wild rhino population, and has proven a tempting target for poachers who for years jumped the park’s borders.
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SA_2020-02_South Africa_Mozambique Cooperation Reduces Rhino Poaching _Voice of America.pdf | 251.05 KB |
Ses vermeende renosterhoringsmokkelaars is verlede week in Namibiese howe op borgtog van N$20 000 elk vrygelaat.
Six suspected rhino horn smugglers were released in Namibian courts last week on bail of N $ 20,000 each.
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NAM_2020-02_Ses vermeende smokkelaars kry borg_Republikein.pdf | 368.84 KB |
NAM_2020-02_Six suspected smugglers get bail_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 225.36 KB |
The alleged rhino poachers mr. Mapole Tjipopyeni, Thomas Eino, Hofni Mengeri and Petena Karure appeared in court last Monday at Omaruru for the start of their trial.
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NAM_2020-02_Six suspected smugglers get bail_Republican.pdf | 194.66 KB |
Law enforcement officials in Hluhluwe and Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, have been applauded for the stellar work they displayed in intercepting a group of rhino poachers who were on the verge of claiming the life of one of these endangered animals.
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SA_2020-02_Rhino poachers stopped in their tracks by KZN police.pdf | 356.55 KB |
Rhino poaching in South Africa continues to decline as additional steps are taken by the government to ensure the crime is effectively dealt with.
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SA_2020-02_Role players force rhino poaching into decline South Africa_Rhino Review.pdf | 196.25 KB |
The rampant increase in wildlife poaching has been widely acknowledged as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation in Africa. The Asian demand for rhinoceros horn has seen a massive onslaught on the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and black rhino (Diceros bicornis) populations. Since 2008, there has been a gradual and then explosive growth in rhino poaching in South Africa and, to a lesser extent, Mozambique and Botswana.
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SA_2020-02 South Africa _GGA.pdf | 532.91 KB |
A rhino poacher was sentenced to an effective 24 years imprisonment after he was convicted of 10 counts of rhino poaching, ve counts of theft, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of rearm, possession of a prohibited rearm, cruelty to animals and money laundering by Free State High Court sitting in Virginia.
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SA_2020-02_Gauteng poacher gets 24 years for killing nine rhinos South Africa_Rhino Review.pdf | 902.58 KB |
Over the past ve years, there has been an overall decline in rhino and elephant poaching, with a major increase in arrests. This was shared yesterday by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta during his 2020 opening speech. Last year, a total of 45 rhinos were poached in comparison to 74 in 2018 and 55 in 2017. In 2016, 61 rhinos were poached, and 97 in 2015. According to Shifeta, two rhinos have been poached to date this year. As for elephants, 12 were poached last year, 27 in 2018 and 50 in 2017. In 2016, a total of 101 elephants were poached and 49 in 2015.
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NAM_2020-02_ Poaching declines_arrests increase_Namibia_Save the Elephants.pdf | 301.72 KB |