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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 - 41 of 41
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Smit E 2025. Pas in: Nóg renosters gestroop, beloning styg tot N$1 miljoen.

'n Beloning wat sal lei tot die inhegtenisneming van 'n renosterstroperysindikaat wat nou al vier renosters op 'n plaas naby Maltahöhe in die Hardapstreek gestroop het, het nou gestyg tot N$1 miljoen nadat nóg drie karkasse gister ontdek is. 'n Beloning van N$200 000 is aanvanklik aangebied vir die inhegtenisneming wat sal lei tot die skuldigbevinding van die stropers wat onlangs 'n witrenosterkoei gestroop het en haar kalf, Elsa, wees gelaat is.

Sunday, 25 May 2025
2025. Kenya relocates endangered black rhinos in conservation bid.

Kenya Wildlife Service has started the process of relocating 21 critically endangered Rhinos to a new sanctuary on Saturday. The move is meant to help support the species’ long-term survival, says Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano. "By moving rhinos from Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Nakuru, all sanctuaries currently operating at over 100% of their carrying capacity, we are reducing deadly territorial fights that account for over 30% of rhino mortalities." The newly prepared Segera Conservancy is Kenya’s 18th black rhino sanctuary.

Thursday, 22 May 2025
Brandt E 2025. Namibia's priceless black rhino protected by JAC’s T9 - enables NWP to cover huge distances to curb poaching.

Namibia Wildlife Protection (NWP), a wholly-owned Namibian company providing anti-poaching security solutions to private individuals and businesses, depends on the reliability and dependability of their JAC T9 Super Lux double cab. Working in conjunction with NWP's thermal drone flights and regular foot patrols, the company utilises the JAC T9 to cover large tracts of private Namibian territory to detect any illegal movements or activities related to poaching."We see ourselves as one of the industry leaders in protection innovation.

Thursday, 22 May 2025
Cowan C, Mpaka C, Flynn G, Jong HN, Jacobson P, Raman S 2025. Wildlife crime crackdown in jeopardy worldwide after US funding cuts.

In 2019, Malawi dismantled the Chinese-led Lin-Zhang wildlife trafficking syndicate, a major win in its fight against the illegal wildlife trade, thanks in part to funding from the U.S. government. The Trump administration’s recent slashing of international development funds, however, threatens these gains, leaving frontline enforcers and conservation programs without critical support. NGOs across Africa and Southeast Asia, running initiatives from sniffer rat programs to antipoaching patrols, tell Mongabay they're struggling to fill the funding gap.

Wednesday, 21 May 2025
2025. N$160 000 award for rhino poaching.

Former tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta expressed his disappointment in the ministry's actions and communication regarding the latest rhino poaching in the Hardap Region. A white rhino cow was poached this weekend on a farm near Maltahohe, leaving behind a calf named Elsa orphaned. The calf was only found two days after the incident. A reward of N$160 00 has been issued for any information.

Wednesday, 21 May 2025
2025. 15 rhinos poached this year.

Fifteen rhinos and one elephant have been poached this year. This was confirmed by the tourism ministry today. The ministry said that as part of their bi-annual report on wildlife crime and law enforcement, they will issue a detailed statement on the matter in June, including updates on poached animals, suspects arrested, items confiscated, and general crime prevention strategies put in place.

Monday, 19 May 2025
2025. N$160,000 reward offered after rhino poaching near Maltahöhe.

Authorities are offering a reward of N$160,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a brutal poaching incident in the Hardap Region. Between 9 and 11 May 2025, a white rhinoceros cow was found shot and dehorned on a farm near Maltahöhe. Her orphaned calf, named Elsa, was discovered two days later and has since been rescued. The Namibian Police's Blue Rhino Task Team, alongside Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Services in South Africa, is leading the investigation.

Sunday, 18 May 2025
Garusa T 2025. Conservationists call for intensified wildlife protection efforts as 22-year-old black rhino brutally killed, dehorned.

A 22-year-old black rhino was fatally shot by poachers at Imire Conservancy in Marondera, Zimbabwe, sparking outrage and grief among wildlife conservationists, who are vowing to intensify efforts to protect endangered species. The rhino named Gomo was brutally killed for its horn. Speaking following the devastating news, Reilly Travers, a conservationist at Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation expressed pain and devastation from Gomo's death. "Imire's soul has just been ripped from within. We have just had one of our beloved Rhino shot today.

Thursday, 15 May 2025
2025. Hanoi: 7 years for the Kingpin of a transnational wildlife trafficking network from Nghe An Province.

The People's Court of Hanoi opened a first-instance trial and sentenced Cao Xuan Manh, a major transnational tiger trafficker from Nghe An, to 7 years in prison under the second punishment bracket of Article 244 of the Penal Code 2015 (amended in 2017). Manh's two accomplices, Nguyen Van Ba and Nguyen Van Cung, were sentenced to 5 and 4 years in prison, respectively. On January 12, 2024, Manh and two accomplices were caught by the Hanoi Economic Police Department while attempting to illegally trade a 4.1 kg rhino horn.

Sunday, 11 May 2025
2025. New Namibia wildlife leadership program focuses on rhino conservation_AGRIMONITOR.

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and the Wildlife Conservation Network have partnered to launch a new wildlife leadership program focusing entirely on rhino conservation practitioners, which includes Namibia. The IRF said that the program will start this month and will include rhino professionals in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. It said that the transformative program Rising Wildlife Leaders: Careers, will equip local conservationists with the knowledge of where rhinos live and with the skills, mentorship and career support they need to make a lasting impact.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Chibamu A 2025. Conservation under threat as Mines Ministry continues to entertain applications to mine in protected areas - Zim Parks.

Conservation is under serious threat from mining activities in protected areas countrywide, putting wild animals at risk of extinction, a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) official has said. Giving oral evidence to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Parliamentary Portfolio Committee this Monday, ZimParks Corporate Secretary Nyasha Mutyambizi said the Mines ministry continued to accept applications for mining purposes in the restricted areas meant for conservation and tourism.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Nefdt A 2025. Anti-poacher on a mission to ramp up rhino protection.

In the Eastern Cape, Justin Terblanche is known for his love of rhinos. The anti-poacher shares that he's known as the 'Rhino Whisperer' in the area and that his life's mission lies in protecting the gentle giants who once roamed the Earth with far more freedom and in far greater numbers. "Losing [rhinos] would leave an irreplaceable void in the natural world," says Justin. "If we don’t act now, future generations may never see a rhino roaming wild." Working at Lombardini Game Farm, Justin has seen first-hand the impact of poaching. The land was once home to 19 rhinos.

Monday, 5 May 2025
2025. 'Killing of rhinos is relentless': minister Dion George calls on public to help combat the crime.

SA has lost 103 rhino to poachers in the first three months of the year, environment minister Dion George disclosed on Monday. This equates to an average of 34.33 rhinos per month, aligned with the average monthly poaching rate of 35 rhinos over the 12 months before (420 rhinos annually). "This underscores the sustained pressure on our rhino populations and the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat the illegal activity," George said. SANParks recorded the highest number of losses with 65 rhinos poached.

Monday, 5 May 2025
2025. South Africa: Sustained pressure on SA rhino populations.

In the first three months of 2025, five provinces in South Africa lost 103 rhinos due to poaching, averaging at 34.33 rhinos per month. "The loss of 103 rhinos to poaching in the first three months of 2025 is a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife. Yet, the absence of poaching in four provinces shows that our targeted interventions are yielding results, and we must build on this progress," Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

Monday, 5 May 2025
2025. Poachers have killed over 100 rhinos in South Africa this year.

Cape Town, South Africa - Poachers in South Africa killed more than 100 rhinos in the first three months of this year, most of them inside national parks, highlighting an ongoing battle to protect one of the best-known endangered species. South African Environment Minister Dion George announced the figures Monday and said that of the 103 rhinos killed between Jan. 1 and March 31, 65 were poached in national parks. The average of more than one rhino killed a day is in line with last year's count and "a stark reminder of the relentless threat to our wildlife," George said.

Thursday, 1 May 2025
2025. Rhino Poaching in 2024 / 2025.

Rhino poaching decreases in 2024, But we still don't have the full picture. South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have released updated full year rhino poaching statistics for 2024, and while it is good to see an overall decline of roughly 15%, an increase in poaching in the latter part of the year means we are currently in the midst of the greatest poaching spike since 2019. 420 rhinos were killed by poachers across South Africa in 2024, 79 less than were lost in 2023.

Thursday, 1 May 2025
2025. Rhinos.

Rhinos are being killed for their horns in a poaching crisis that has stretched on for nearly two decades. In 2006, 60 rhinos were poached in Africa. Nine years later, the official figure leapt to a staggering 1,349 rhinos killed in 2015. More than 10,000 rhinos have been killed since the poaching crisis began. Today, rhino populations in South Africa and Namibia are bearing the brunt of rhino poaching.

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
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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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…

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