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Namibian Wildlife Crimes article archive

This archive of published media articles about wildlife crime in Namibia aims to:

  • provide easy public access to published information and statistics
  • enable easy stakeholder access to articles
  • provide a comprehensive archive of wildlife crime reporting in Namibia

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.

Displaying results 1 - 50 of 67
Saturday, 29 April 2023
2023. Vietnam seizes 16 kg of smuggled rhino horns, ivory.

Vietnam has seized 11.8 kilograms of rhino horns and 4.7 kilograms of elephant ivory in checked-in luggage on a flight from Qatar, Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday. Customs officers at Noi Bai international airport in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi found the smuggled rhino horns and ivory in 41 packages wrapped in aluminum foil in two sets of luggage of a Vietnamese man who had traveled from Angola, transited through Doha, Qatar, and arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday. The seizure came after a random check, and the luggage owner claimed that a person had paid him 50…

Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Duba S 2023. Trio of rhino KNP poachers handed prison terms totalling over 100 years.

Zwelithini Mathebula 37, and Lucky Mhlongo 39, were sentenced to 34 years' imprisonment while their co-accused Teddy Dlamini 37, was sentenced to 39 years' imprisonment. NPA regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, said that the three culprits were arrested in November 2019, along with their two co-accused who absconded after they were granted bail. The three were convicted of killing three rhinos, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of ammunition, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Wednesday, 26 April 2023
Nemakonde V 2023. Rhino poachers sentenced to 34 years in prison.

Five rhino horns, one hunting rifle with a silencer, fourteen live rounds, two knives and five mobile phones were recovered from the car. The Skukuza Regional Court on Tuesday sentenced rhino poachers to 34 and 39 years in prison following following their arrest in November 2019. According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, two of the three suspects who were arrested for rhino poaching and other related crimes were sentenced to 34 years' imprisonment. The third suspect was sentenced to 39 years' imprisonment.

Wednesday, 26 April 2023
2023. Hanoi: Detecting 11.82 kg of rhino horn and 4,712 kg of ivory smuggled by air.

The functional forces have just discovered a package containing 11.82 kg of rhino horn and 4,712 kg of smuggled ivory transported on a flight from Doha (Quatar) to Vietnam. When scanning the above 02 pieces of luggage through a portable scanner, the Import Baggage Procedure Team discovered suspicious images of rhino horns and ivory, so they invited Ninh Ba Dien passenger to the headquarters. for fact check. According to the inspection results, in addition to his carry-on luggage, Mr.

Sunday, 23 April 2023
2023. Weak spots in anti-poaching technology an easy target for hackers.

During a time in which South Africa's wildlife is under attack by poaching, a new study has shown that popular anti-poaching technologies could be an easy target for cyber-attacks. Stellenbosch University student Christelle Steyn, who is part of the Orange Cyberdefence Academy, conducted research that shows that various technologies, such as tracking tags, CCTV, mobile apps and drones could increase the risks of cyber-attacks.

Saturday, 22 April 2023
2023. Shortage of rangers at Kruger Park endangers rhinos.

In 2022 Kruger lost 124 rhinos, a figure David Bryant, shadow forestry, fisheries and environment minister, believes will rise because SANParks filled just five of 87 vacant ranger posts in the Kruger Park.

Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Tchindele P 2023. Ivory and rhino horn is being smuggled through Angola by traffickers disguised as tourists.

The Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, Angola's capital city Luanda, has recently been the gateway for many disguised tourists, with the clear intention of illicit trafficking of ivory and rhino horn. In the last three months alone, the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC), coordinating with other forces in the airport's security system, detained two Vietnamese citizens in possession of 26 kilograms of ivory worked into jewellery; four kilograms of raw ivory; rhino horns, weighing 6.6 kilograms; and five rolls of elephant tail yarn, weighing eight grams.

Monday, 17 April 2023
2023. Mozambique: Poaching ringleader detained for second time.

Maputo - The authorities have detained for the second time a notorious Mozambican poacher, Simon Ernesto Valoi, known in the world of crime as "Boss Navarra". Valoi has been held in a Mozambican prison since July 2022. According to a report in the Maputo daily "Noticias', Valoi refused to name his accomplices, who remain at large. Investigators set a trap for Valoi. Pretending to be corrupt, they provided him with a mobile phone through which he could contact his relatives and other members of the poaching ring.

Friday, 14 April 2023
2023. Eight suspects recently busted for crimes related to rhino poaching.

Eight suspects were netted over the long easter weekend for crime related to rhino poaching in two separate incidences, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced on Thursday.

Friday, 14 April 2023
Smit E 2023. Acht Festnahmen wegen Nashornwilderei über Ostern.

Mindestens acht Verdächtige wurden über das Osterwochenende bei zwei verschiedenen Vorfällen im Zusammenhang mit der Wilderei von Nashörnern festgenommen. Nach Angaben des Sprechers des Umweltministeriums, Romeo Muyunda, wurden zwei Verdächtige am 6. April auf der Straße zwischen Tsumeb und Otavi an einer mobilen Straßensperre festgenommen, weil sie illegal in den Etosha-Nationalpark eingedrungen waren, um Nashörner zu jagen. In ihrem Besitz wurden zwei frische Nashornhörner gefunden, die von den Strafverfolgungsbehörden unter der Leitung des Blue Rhino Task Team beschlagnahmt…

Friday, 14 April 2023
Smit E 2023. Agt oor paasfees in hegtenis geneem vir renosterstropery.

Agt verdagtes is oor die Paasnaweek vir renosterstropery-verwante misdade in twee afsonderlike voorvalle in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die woordvoerder van die omgewingsministerie Romeo Muyunda, is twee verdagtes op 6 April op die Tsumeb/Otavi-pad by 'n mobiele padblokkade in hegtenis geneem omdat hulle onwettig die Etosha Nasionale Park binnegegaan het om renosters te jag. Twee vars renosterhorings is in hul besit gevind en deur die wetstoepassingsagentskappe onder leiding van die Blue Rhino-taakspan op beslag gelê.

Friday, 14 April 2023
Smit E 2023. Eight arrested for rhino poaching over easter.

At least eight suspects were arrested over the Easter Weekend for rhino poaching-related crimes in two separate incidents. According to the spokesperson of the environment ministry Romeo Muyunda, two suspects were arrested on 6 April on the Tsumeb/Otavi road at a mobile roadblock for illegally entering the Etosha National Park to hunt rhinos. Two fresh rhino horns were found in their possession and confiscated by the law enforcement agencies led by the Blue Rhino Task Team.

Friday, 14 April 2023
Endjala M 2023. Eight suspected rhino poachers arrested.

The Ministry of Environment Tourism and Forestry has arrested eight suspects on charges related to rhino poaching over the Easter long weekend, in two separate incidents. "Last week two suspects that illegally entered the Etosha National Park to hunt Rhinos were arrested during a mobile roadblock on the Tsumeb and Otavi road, two fresh rhino horns were found in their possession and confiscated by Blue Rhino Task Team," the environment Ministry's Chief Public Relations Officer, Romeo Muyunda said in a statement.

Thursday, 13 April 2023
Dube M 2023. Botswana on alert after shooting of rhinos in sanctuary.

Botswana's wildlife authorities say four rhinoceroses were shot, and two of them died, in a heavily guarded sanctuary, although their horns were not removed. The shootings at the sanctuary in central Botswana came after the government de-horned and relocated most of the rhinos further inland to discourage poachers.

Thursday, 13 April 2023
2023. Three anti-poaching officers arrested for poaching over easter.

The discovery of three rhino carcasses has led to the arrest of eight suspects, of which three were identified as anti-poaching security personnel on a private farm in the Outjo District. According to Romeo Muyunda, Public Relations Officer, within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, on 7 April 2023, two suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of one pair of rhino horns in yet another operation by security forces on the Outjo-Otavi Road.

Thursday, 13 April 2023
Hattingh E 2023. Syndikate diversifizieren illegale Aktivitäten.

Die Strafverfolgungsbehörden in Namibia, Mosambik und Sambia werden immer aufmerksamer, wenn es um den illegalen Schmuggel von u. a. Abalonen (Meeresschnecken) durch ihre Länder geht. Denn es mehren sich die Hinweise, dass dieselben Unternehmen und Personen, die in diesen Schmuggel verwickelt sind, auch an der Ausfuhr anderer illegaler Wildprodukte und weiteren illegalen Aktivitäten beteiligt sind. Demnach scheinen verschiedene Formen der Kriminalität mit dem illegalen Handel von Wildtieren zusammenzuhängen.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Maclennan S 2023. Convicted rhino poacher arrested at private game reserve.

Police have confirmed the arrest of one of the five convicted rhino poachers who escaped from prison in Makhanda in October last year. "We can confirm the arrest and that he was involved in attempted poaching at one of the private game reserves," South African Police Service spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli told talk of the Town. Seven men escaped from Grahamstown Correctional Facility in October 2022. One of them, convicted poacher Trymore Chauke was arrested at Seven Fountains around 7pm on Sunday 23 October.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Ndeyanale E 2023. Two rhinos poached at Etosha.

Two carcasses of rhinos were found in the Etosha National Park last Monday and Wednesday.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Hattingh E 2023. Smokkel wildprodukte saam met ander items.

Wetstoepassers in Namibië, asook in Mosambiek en Zambië begin al hoe meer let op die onwettige smokkelary van onder meer perlemoen deur hul lande. Dit omdat daar groeiende bewyse is dat dieselfde maatskappye en individue wat betrokke is in dié smokkelary, ook betrokke is in die uitvoer van onwettige wildprodukte en ander onwettige bedrywighede. Inteendeel, groeiende bewyse dui op 'n samevloeiing van ander vorme van misdaad met onwettige handel in wildprodukte.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023
2023. R100 000 reward offered to anyone who has information about poachers of two rhinos.

There is a R100 000 reward that is up for grabs for information leading to the poachers of two rhinos at Sibuya Game Reserve. Their carcasses were only found on Thursday. At least 14 other rhinos have been killed in the Eastern Cape since December, leading to suspicion that a single syndicate may be responsible for the attacks. The reward has been posted by the Buffalo Kloof Game Reserve, in nearby Makhanda, whose owner, Warne Rippon, said he hoped it would help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Friday, 7 April 2023
Maclennan S 2023. Bitter twist to new double Sibuya rhino killings.

'An incredible story of courage and survival that has now been obliterated' is how wildlife veterinarian Dr William Fowlds has described the killing this week of two orphaned survivors of a 2016 rhino poaching incident at Sibuya Game Reserve. In a bitter blow to the rhino conservation community, two rhinos who mothers were killed by poachers seven years ago were themselves killed by poachers on Tuesday April 4.

Wednesday, 5 April 2023
2023. Rhino Horn: Chinese national Shuihau Chen fined R500K, jailed 2 years.

Shuihau Chen. The Chinese national was caught dealing in rhino horn. He has been fined half a million rand and sentenced to two years imprisonment for infringing the Immigration Act Johannesburg - Fifty-year-old Chinese national Shuihau Chen, who was caught dealing in rhino horn, has been fined half a million rand and sentenced to two years imprisonment for infringing the Immigration Act.

Wednesday, 5 April 2023
Henning D 2023. Wildlife trafficking could return to prepandemic numbers.

As the world returns to post-covid normality, so do its trade routes and the unfortunate consequence of increased wildlife trafficking, experts say.

Tuesday, 4 April 2023
Kimbrough L 2023. Wildlife trafficking gradually returns after pandemic lull, mostly by sea.

Bulk shipments by sea accounted for most of the illegal wildlife parts seized by authorities around the world in 2022. The data, from U.S.-based nonprofit C4ADS, also show that seizures of elephant ivory, rhino horn and pangolin scales haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, the decline isn’t uniform across all countries, with China's late reopening from the pandemic this year indicating there might be an increase in trafficking in 2023, especially of ivory. C4ADS has called on law enforcement officials to focus on investigating…

Friday, 31 July 2020
2020. South Africa - environment minister Creecy says rhino decreased by more than half in first half of 2020 and makes COVID-19 link.

Rhino poaching has decreased by almost 53% in the first six months of 2020, with 166 animals being killed for their horns across the country since the beginning of the year. During the first six months of 2019, 316 rhino had been poached in South Africa.

Thursday, 30 July 2020
Denker H 2020. Wildlife Crime and the Law.

"They just get out on bail and do it again" - this is a widespread public sentiment regarding crime in Namibia, and wildlife crime in particular. There are many misconceptions about law enforcement and the judiciary. Bail is just one of them. At the end of 2019, the number of suspects out on bail amounted to less than 20% for all crimes related to high-value wildlife (pangolin, elephant, rhinos).

Thursday, 30 July 2020
2020. Drie vas oor horings, ivoor.

Volgens die weeklikse wildmisdaadverslag vanaf 20 tot 26 Julie van die Namibiese polisie en die ministerie van die ­omgewing, bosbou en toerisme, is twee ­verdagtes in verband met renosterstropery of horingsmokkelary in hegtenis geneem. Mnre. Murumbua Vetjesavi en Richard Kandjii is by Otjondjeka in ­hegtenis geneem en beslag is op twee renosterhorings en 'n voertuig gelê.

Thursday, 30 July 2020
2020. B2Golds local rhino gold bar campaign launched in North America.

Canadian gold miner, B2Gold on Wednesday announced the launch of its Namibian Rhino Gold Bar campaign in North America to support the conservation and protection of the critically endangered black rhinos.

Wednesday, 29 July 2020
Smit E 2020. 13 arrested for wildlife crimes.

Thirteen suspects have been arrested for wildlife crimes and six new cases were opened within the past two weeks. A total of 19 illegal wildlife products were confiscated in these crimes, according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resource division within the safety and security ministry. Five vehicles were also seized.

Wednesday, 29 July 2020
Miller D 2020. A rhino poacher in Africa reveals why - and how - he kills the animals.
Wednesday, 29 July 2020
2020. Erneute Fälle von Wilderei.

Es wurden sechs neue Fälle von Wildtierkriminalität und 13 Verhaftungen in diesem Zusammenhang für die vergangene Woche registriert.

Six new wildlife crime cases and 13 related arrests have been recorded for the past week.

Wednesday, 29 July 2020
Stevens LM 2020. B2Gold Announces the Launch of its Namibian Rhino Gold Bar Campaign in North America to Support the Conservation and Protection of the Critically Endangered Black Rhino.

B2Gold Corp. is pleased to announce the launch of its Namibian Rhino Gold Bar campaign in North America to help support the conservation and protection of the critically endangered black rhinos, and the communitybased rhino rangers and trackers who protect the rhinos, in Namibia, Southern Africa.

Tuesday, 28 July 2020
Steynberg F 2020. 'Horingsmokkelaar' by Vioolsdrif-grenspos vas.

'n Man met dubbele burgerskap en twee identiteite wat met die rooftog van 33 renosterhorings uit 'n kluis in 'n huis op Outjo in September 2019 verbind word, is in Februarie by die Suid-Afrikaanse grenspos, Vioolsdrift, met twee renosterhorings vasgetrek.

A man with dual citizenship and two identities connected to the robbery of 33 rhino horns from a safe in a house on Outjo in September 2019, was arrested at the South African border post, Vioolsdrift, in February with two rhino horns.

Tuesday, 28 July 2020
2020. Drie vas oor renosterhorings, ivoor.

Een verdagte, mnr. Matheus Mukoya Katjire, is verlede Woensdag op Divundu in verband met olifantstropery of ivoorsmokkelary vasgetrek en twee olifanttande is gekonfiskeer.

A suspect, Mr. Matheus Mukoya Katjire, was arrested last Wednesday on Divundu in connection with elephant poaching or ivory smuggling and two elephant tusks were confiscated.

Monday, 27 July 2020
Menges W 2020. From The Courts ... Ex-magistrate lied at bail hearing.

A self-styled 'prophet' who has been in police custody for the past two months after being arrested on charges of rhino poaching and dealing in or possessing two rhino horns, is planning to apply for bail this week. Jackson Babi, who uses the title 'prophet' and is the founder of the House of Joy Ministries evangelical religious group in Windhoek, will launch a bail application in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Thursday, defence lawyer Kadhila Amoomo informed magistrate Linus Samunzala during a court appearance by Babi and a co-accused, Frizans Naululu Dumeni, on Friday…

Monday, 27 July 2020
Motlhoka T 2020. It's better to show tourists a dehorned rhino than nothing at all-Magosi.

The Director of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) Brigadier Peter Magosi has defended government’s decision to dehorn Botswana’s rhinos as an anti-poaching control measure. Magosi has said the dehorning of rhinos was the only way they could ensure protection of the animals from poachers.

Monday, 27 July 2020
Mungadze S 2020. Gunshot tech helps Kruger Park reduce rhino poaching.

Gunshot technology ShotSpotter is being used to deter rhino poaching in Kruger National Park, helping authorities reduce unsanctioned killings by 60% inside the park’s Intensified Protection Zone (IPZ). South Africa, which holds nearly 80% of the world's rhinos, has been the country hit hardest by poaching criminals, with more than 1 000 rhinos killed each year between 2013 and 2017. Kruger is a critical poaching area.

Monday, 27 July 2020
Smit E 2020. Securing a poaching scene.

Intelligence Support Against Poaching (ISAP) recently held a course on how to handle a poaching scene correctly. The animal crime scene and evidence handling course took place from 16 to 19 July, and was presented by Wildlife Vets Namibia. Participants included veterinarians, lodge managers, wildlife farmers, members of crime prevention forums, hunting farm owners, students and representatives of the tourism industry.

Monday, 27 July 2020
Amakali M 2020. Incarcerated 'prophet' appeals for bail.

The self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Babi (30) and his co-accused Frizans Naululu Dumeni (25) have approached the court to be released on bail. They appeared before Magistrate Linus Samunzala in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The court gallery was packed to the rafters with Babi’s supporters. The court scheduled their bail hearing to 30 July, further issuing an order to have the two accused transferred from the Dordabis police station to the Windhoek police station for their bail hearing.

Friday, 24 July 2020
Smit E 2020. 10 arrested for wildlife crimes.

Ten suspects were arrested recently in connection with wildlife crimes and four new cases have been registered. Seven of the suspects were arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking cases, while another suspect was arrested in connection with a rhino poaching case.

Thursday, 23 July 2020
2020. Beweismaterial besser handhaben.

Die Anti-Wilderei-Initiative ISAP (Intelligence Support Against Poaching) und „Wildlife Vets Namibia“ haben einen Kurs zur besseren Aufklärung von Wildtierverbrechen durch die Handhabung von Beweisen angeboten. Die Teilnehmer des Kurses, der bei der ISAP-Einrichtung stattfand, erhielten Information über die Wilderei sowie einen Einblick in die Komplexität der Beweisfindung. Als Hauptziel gilt, die Polizei durch die ordnungsgemäße Sicherung eines Tatorts und von Beweisen zu unterstützen.

Thursday, 23 July 2020
Denker H 2020. The rhino files: The three pillars of rhino management.

The Rhino Files are periodic articles exploring the complexity of rhino conservation in Namibia. "We aim to detect criminal activity and arrest poachers before a rhino is killed." This might sound overly-ambitious, but Barry de Klerk knows it's possible. Operation Blue Rhino has made over 100 pre-emptive arrests in around 30 cases since its inception in mid-2018. Would-be poachers are being caught before they can kill a rhino. Pro-active law enforcement has saved dozens of animals.

Wednesday, 22 July 2020
2020. Securing a poaching scene - the right way.

What should a farmer, lodge manager, landowner or a farm worker do when he stumbles across a poaching scene? Participants of the Animal Crime Scene and Evidence Handling Course received detailed answers to this question while gaining insight into the complexity of gathering evidence. During the course, participants were reminded that they are neither police officers nor experts in collecting evidence.

Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Chen A 2020. Different approaches adopted by countries to combat wildlife poaching.

The world is dealing with an unbelievable spike in the illegal wildlife trade, one that in many ways threatens the past few decades of gains in conservation efforts. To combat the rising threat from poaching, conservationists have devised several strategies, some of which have been greatly effective.

Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Smit E 2020. 10 vas vir wildmisdaad.

Tien verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem in verband met wildmisdaad en vier nuwe sake is aanhangig gemaak. Sewe van die verdagtes is in hegtenis geneem vir olifantstropery of -handel, terwyl ’n ander verdagte gearresteer is in verband met renosterstropery.

Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with game crime and four new cases have been filed. Seven of the suspects were arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking, while another suspect was arrested in connection with rhino poaching.

Thursday, 16 July 2020
Smit E 2020. Demand for ivory, rhino horn drops.

Annual illicit income generated from ivory and rhino horn trafficking between 2016 and 2018 was estimated at US$400 million and US$230 million respectively. The illegal global trade in ivory and rhino horn has declined, while trafficking of pangolins has soared, according to a United Nations report based on four years of data.

Wednesday, 15 July 2020
2020. IRF awards grant to offset Covid-19 impact, protect rhinos in southern Africa.

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) has awarded emergency grants totalling nearly $150,000 to six wildlife organisations in Southern Africa following severe budget shortfalls as a result of the loss of tourism income in the region.

Wednesday, 15 July 2020
Baloyi T 2020. OR Tambo seizes R115 million worth of rhino horn.

Sars said the consignment of six boxes, containing the horns that had been concealed in carbon paper and foil, was destined for Kuala Lampur in Malaysia.

Wednesday, 15 July 2020
2020. Germany mobilizes additional €13m for Namibia to mitigate COVID-19 challenges in conservation, tourism sector.

The German Federal Government has mobilized additional resources of €13 million to support the Namibian Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in mitigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the conservation and tourism sector.

Monday, 13 July 2020
Peters C 2020. Elfenbein, Schuppen, Tropenholz - Schmuggel geschützter Arten boomt.

Der verbotene Handel mit geschützten Tieren und Pflanzen bleibt laut einem UN-Bericht ein Milliardengeschäft. Neben Elefant, Nashorn und Tiger geht es derzeit vor allem dem Schuppentier an den Kragen. Das stand zwischenzeitlich auch als Coronavirus-Wirt im Verdacht. 

The prohibited trade in protected animals and plants remains a billion dollar business, according to a UN report. In addition to the elephant, rhinoceros and tiger, the pangolin is currently on the collar. In the meantime, this was also suspected as a corona virus host.

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