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 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 |
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 |
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.
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 |
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NAM_2024_Urgent meeting called to discuss steep rise in rhino poaching_Namibian Sun.pdf | 71.82 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 |
'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 |
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Update on the elephant and rhino poaching in namibia.pdf | 344.51 KB |
Six months into COVID-19 lockdown and with most southern African nations not having social safety nets for their citizens, there has been an uptick in wildlife poaching across the region.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, World Rhino Day will be marked with a talent show virtual event this year. "Even though Covid-19 is keeping us from our usual celebrations, this year we hope we can get as many people as possible from here in Namibia and around the world to show their pride and talent by joining us in a virtual campaign," said Clemens Naomab, regional project coordinator for the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), on Saturday. World Rhino Day is an international event, recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),…
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NAM_2020-09_Celebrate World Rhino Day with talent_The Namibian.pdf | 405.42 KB |
Around the world countries are adjusting to what their "new normal" looks like in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. For rhinoceros conservationists in Africa, it means coping with fewer resources while fighting an increase in the risk of poaching. Illegal hunting is nothing new for the dwindling rhino species, but the pandemic has amplified the threat and left their future more uncertain than ever.
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Loneley planet_2020-09_How the pandemic threatens rhino conservation_Loneley planet.pdf | 860.93 KB |
The bail hearing of self-proclaimed preacher Jackson Babi and his co-accused Ananias Ananias is scheduled to take place next week in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court. The two are seeking bail in their second case where they face bribery charges for allegedly offering a N$13 000 bribe to investigation officers. Babi and Ananias made an appearance before magistrate Samunzala Samunzala yesterday where they were informed investigations are not yet finalised in their matter.
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NAM_2020-09_Prophet Babi_co_accused get bail hearing date_New Era.pdf | 477.82 KB |
This year a total of 22 rhinos and two elephants have been poached. During the same period last year, poachers killed46 rhinos and 13 elephants.
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NAM_2020–09_ 22 rhinos poached this year_down from 46 last year_Africa Sustainable Conservation News.pdf | 707.37 KB |
22 Nashörner und zwei Elefanten wurden in diesem Jahr in Namibia von Wilderern getötet. Das ist weniger als in den beiden Jahren zuvor, teilte Romeo Muyunda, Pressesprecher im Ministerium für Umwelt, Forstwirtschaft und Tourismus, jetzt mit.
22 rhinos and two elephants were killed by poachers in Namibia this year. That is less than in the previous two years, said Romeo Muyunda, press spokesman in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
After a study on black rhinos in Namibia, new software has been developed by researchers in the United States that could help conservationists keep a watchful eye on the black rhino. The interactive software was jointly developed by researchers at Duke University and analytics software specialist SAS and analyses the footprints left behind by black rhinos. This can be used to monitor their movements and enable conservationists to help keep the animals safe from poachers.
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NAM_2020-09_New technology to help monitor rhinos_Namibian Sun.pdf | 202.56 KB |
Altesaam 19 vermeende wildmisdadigers is verlede week in hegtenis geneem en aangekla.
A total of 19 suspected wildlife criminals were arrested and charged last week.
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NAM_2020-09_19 vir wildmisdaad aangekla_Republikein.pdf | 155.12 KB |
NAM_2020-09_19 charged with wildlife crime_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 52.35 KB |
Twenty-two rhinos and two elephants have been killed by poachers thus far in 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Environment has said.
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NAM_2020-09_Twenty-two rhinos and two elephants poached so far this year_MEFT_Namibia News Digest.pdf | 106.43 KB |
A well-known Mpumalanga farmer was sentenced in the Middelburg Regional Court yesterday for selling rhino horns without a permit.
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SA_2020-09_Mpumalanga farmer sentenced for dealing in rhino horns without permit_Lowvelder.pdf | 329.46 KB |
Drie Namibiese mans wat glo ‘n renoster in die Etosha Nasionale Park wou stroop, bly in aanhouding nadat hulle vandag in die Outjo-landdroshof op vyf klagte verskyn het.
Three Namibian men who allegedly wanted to poach a rhino in the Etosha National Park remain in custody after appearing in the Outjo Magistrate's Court today on five charges.
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NAM_2020-09_Renosterstropery Drie bly in aanhouding_Republikien.pdf | 156.33 KB |
NAM_2020-09_Rhino poaching Three remain in custody_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 58.75 KB |
The vigilance of the farming community around Kamanjab led to the arrest of a gang of poachers that were on their way to hunt rhinos in the Etosha National Park. According to the crime bulletin provided by the Public Relations Division of the Namibian Police, the five suspects were arrested on Farm Marinhohe in the Kamanjab policing area on Thursday evening after members of the community spotted them being dropped off by a suspicious vehicle.
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NAM_2020-09_Vigilance leads to arrest of a poaching gang_Informante.pdf | 846.28 KB |
Drie verdagtes wat glo ’n renoster in die Etosha Nasionale Park wou stroop, verskyn môre op verskeie klagte in die landdroshof op Kamanjab. Hulle is Donderdag tussen Kamanjab en die plaas Marinhohe in dié distrik vasgetrek.
Three suspects who allegedly wanted to poach a rhino in the Etosha National Park will appear in the Kamanjab Magistrate's Court tomorrow on various charges. They were caught on Thursday between Kamanjab and the farm Marinhohe in the district.
The police in Lulekani have launched a manhunt for the alleged poachers who shot and killed two rhinos on different locations on one of the game farms near Swelane village.
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SA-2020-09_Police launch manhunt for rhino poachers_Letaba Herald.pdf | 276.38 KB |
We are working with conservation charity Space for Giants to protect wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime.
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SA_2020-09_Inside the courtroom battle against the deadly rhino horn trade_The Independent UK.pdf | 701.04 KB |
Drie Namibiese mans is verlede week in verband met renosterstropery en twee oor horingsmokkelary in hegtenis geneem. Volgens die weeklikste wildmisdaadverslag van 31 Augustus tot 6 September van die Namibiese polisie en die ministerie van die omgewing, bosbou en toerisme, is altesaam tien vermeende wildmisdadigers in hegtenis geneem en ses nuwe sake aanhangig gemaak.
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NAM_2020-09_Vyf vas oor renosterkarkas en horings_Republikein.pdf | 224.04 KB |
NAM_2020-09_Five arrested over rhino carcass and horns_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 224.04 KB |
More than 150 illegal wildlife products were seized last week and 10 suspects were arrested, while six new cases were registered. Five of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking cases.
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NAM_2020-09_155 wildlife products seized_Namibian Sun.pdf | 294.98 KB |
Drie Namibiese mans is verlede week in verband met renosterstropery en twee oor horingsmokkelary in hegtenis geneem.
Three Namibian men were arrested last week in connection with rhino poaching and two for rhino horn smuggling.
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NAM_2020-09_Renosterkarkas en horing gekonfiskeer_Republikein.pdf | 399.3 KB |
NAM_2020-09_ Rhino carcass and horn confiscated_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 224.07 KB |
Interactive software that 'reads' and analyzes footprints left by black rhinoceroses can be used to monitor the movements of the animals in the wild, giving conservationists a new way to keep watch on the endangered species and help keep it safe from poachers, according to a new study.
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Nam_2020_09_New tracking technology will help fight rhino poaching in Namibia.PDF | 105.23 KB |
Early in October, four ranger from Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) will show the rest of the world what it takes to be out in the wild, day in day out, tracking rhinos, deterring poachers, and earning an income for them and their families.
Two black rhinos - a cow and calf - were shot and killed in the Sesfontein area in Kunene with an unknown firearm. The animals were dehorned with an unknown sharp object. The incident occurred between 24 and 28 August at Otjomumbonde in the Omatendeka conservancy area.
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NAM_2020-09_2 black rhino killed for horns near Sesfontein_Africa Sustainable Conservation News.pdf | 89.74 KB |