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.
Durban - A Good Samaritan came to the rescue of a poached duiker when he confiscated the animal from its poacher. The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) reported that on Sunday it received a call from a concerned member of the public from Hammarsdale, who informed them that he had confiscated a male grey duiker as it was a victim of poaching.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Good Samaritan to the rescue after confiscating a poached grey duiker_IOL.pdf | 414.72 KB |
Durban - A Randfontein homeowner who was charged with illegally keeping three lions on his property could face jail time or a fine of up to R10 million. The NSPCA said they been contacted by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) regarding the illegal possession and captivity of three lions at a property in Randfontein. Keshvi Nair, NSPCA public relations officer, said they and Randwest SPCA carried out an inspection at the property on March 22. A joint operation between the NSPCA, Randwest SPCA, Isindile Big Cat and Predator…
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_NSPCA removes 3 illegally kept lions in Randfontein_person could face fine of R10m_IOL.pdf | 416.72 KB |
Oshana police commissioner Naftal Sakaria says armed poachers found in the Etosha National Park should surrender to the police or they will be shot. Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo last week appointed Sakaria as the commander of the anti-poaching unit in Etosha National Park for a period of six months. While in this position, he will also remain the Oshana regional commander. Sakaria is tasked with commanding the police and military forces deployed in the flagship park to protect animals, especially iconic animals such elephants and rhinos, from being poached.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_I cant guarantee you will leave Etosha alive_ The Namibian.pdf | 284.62 KB |
Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Oshana Regional Police Commander, was recently named the Gold Commander for the Etosha National Park Anti-poaching Safety and Security squad. Sakaria was named on March 23 and will, for the next six months, be in charge of directing the joint Nampol/NDF operational work in the Etosha National Park. He said that he will concurrently be in charge of the Oshana Region and also the anti-poaching operations in Etosha. "I have already been to Etosha, rotated the personnel and properly briefed them," he said.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_No more poaching in Etosha_says Sakaria_Informante.pdf | 129.96 KB |
Two Bulawayo men have been arrested for allegedly possessing ivory with a market value of over US$2 000.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ZIM_2023_03_Two arrested for possession of ivory_The Chronicle.pdf | 185.22 KB |
Protection of the rich, floral, fauna and archaeological resources of the Old Oyo National Park would be continually pursued in order to make it a masterpiece among other national parks in the country. It is against this backdrop that illegal activities of hunting, fishing, mining and cattle grazing identified as a menace, are currently being tackled headlong by the park authorities. The Conservator of Park, CP, Old Oyo National Park, Mr. Teslim Adeniyi - Kareem made this known while parading seven suspects recently arrested for various poaching activities in the park.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NIG_2023_03_Seven suspected poachers arrested in Oyo_Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station.pdf | 253.15 KB |
Akashinga rangers, domiciled in Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley have recovered 24 pangolins and 118 elephant tusks from raids on poachers since last year in Mashonaland West.
Angola's Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) in Bengo Province bordering the capital city Luanda, detained two poachers for killing an elephant in the municipality of Pango Aluquém. The detention took place this Monday due to complaints from people who saw the accused consuming and selling meat from the great mammal. The two, José Sebastião and Malambo Castro, aged 28 and 30, respectively, countered the accusations by saying that they found the animal already dead and that they only enjoyed the meat and ivory in the company of other people from their community.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ANG_2023_03_Angolan authorities arrest two suspected suspected elephant poachers_Independent.pdf | 325.5 KB |
Cape Town - Four men from Milnerton pleaded guilty and were sentenced following their arrest for the possession of abalone valued at more than R4.8 million.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Abalone poachers plead guilty in Cape Town Magistrates Court_IOL.pdf | 228.88 KB |
An intelligence-driven operation earlier this week led to the arrest in the Oshikoto Region of two residents of Windhoek who stand accused of trading in controlled wildlife products. According to a report about the arrest, provided by the commander of the Namibian Police in Oshikoto Region, Commissioner Teopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku, information received by investigators suggested that the two suspects were on their way to the south after completing a transaction where they were seen selling a pangolin skin.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Pangolin skin lands two in jail_Windhoek Observer.pdf | 243.4 KB |
Police arrested 26-year-old man on the N6 Road with 16 refuse bags filled with abalone.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Police confiscate bags full of abalone worth over R1 million_The South African.pdf | 422.29 KB |
Two people were detained Wednesday after they were found in possession of a skin of a pangolin which is a protected species. The two were apprehended at a temporary roadblock on the Omuthiya-Ondangwa main road. They are both from Windhoek. According to the regional commander of the police in Oshikoto, Commissioner Teopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, the skin is valued N$50 000.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Two arrested for alleged possession of a pangolin skin_Informante.pdf | 56.35 KB |
O Serviço de Investigação Criminal deteve um caçador furtivo que se tinha instalado no Parque Nacional da Quissama e abatia animais como elefantes e gazelas, que depois comercializava no mercado informal da Mutamba, em Luanda.
Luanda: SIC detains poachers who settled in the Quissama National Park and lived off the sale of the animals they slaughtered The Criminal Investigation Service detained a poacher who had settled in the Quissama National Park and killed animals such as elephants and gazelles, which he then sold at the informal market of Mutamba, in Luanda.
Nearly three years ago, North West District Council Chairman, Kebareeditse Ntsogotho was badly injured during an encounter with a buffalo just outside his home village, Khwai. Last week he, along with six other men from his village- including Deputy Chairman of Khwai Development Trust, Paul Mothathobi were summoned before Maun magistrates court charged with poaching.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
BOT_2023_03_NWDC chairman in poaching charges_thevoicebw.pdf | 256.8 KB |
The Wilderness Foundation has offered a reward in an effort to put the brakes on the recent spate of rhino poaching in the Eastern Cape.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Wilderness Foundation offers reward to stop Eastern Cape rhino poaching_Herald Live.pdf | 307.41 KB |
Vietnamese authorities on Monday seized seven tonnes of ivory smuggled from Angola, the largest seizure of wildlife products in years, the government said.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ANG_2023_03_Vietnam seizes 7 tonnes ivory in largest wildlife smuggling case in years_Daily Maverick.pdf | 339.96 KB |
A new report from the European Union-funded international crime response group, Enact, says organized crime groups from South Africa and China - in collaboration with corrupt wildlife officials - are "decimating" big game animals in one of the world's premier game reserves.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Chinese_South African Mafia Decimating Wildlife in Kruger National Park_The Epoch Times.pdf | 451.46 KB |
Pretoria - A woman involved in rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park was on Friday jailed for 16 years by the Skukuza Regional Court.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Woman rhino poacher jailed for 16 years_IOL.pdf | 180.42 KB |
The latest reports from national governments and agencies reveal (so far) that approximately 548 rhinos were poached in Africa last year. Overall, the total is a slight increase compared to 2021, when 539 rhinos were poached. This is a significant change from 2013 - 2017, when more than 1,000 rhinos were killed each year, yet it’s still dangerously high. On average, one rhino is still poached every 16 hours. Most of the rhinos poached last year were killed in Namibia and South Africa. In both countries, poachers have shifted their focus to new places.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
AFR_2023_03_548 rhinos poached in 2022_Save the Rhino.pdf | 350.64 KB |
Zwei Männer wurden gestern gegen 09:00 Uhr in der Region Dordabis festgenommen, nachdem sie auf einer Farm zwei Spitzmaulnashörner, eine Kuh und ein Kalb, gewildert haben sollen. Die Verdächtigen waren im Besitz eines Jagdgewehrs und von 15 Kugeln, von denen drei bereits verwendet worden waren. Außerdem wurden zwei Nashornhörner gefunden. Die Nashörner haben einen Wert von jeweils rund 500 000 N$. Die Männer wurden wegen verschiedener Vergehen angeklagt, unter anderem wegen der Jagd auf geschützte Wildtiere und des Besitzes von nicht zugelassenen Waffen.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Zwei Nashorn Wilderer festgenommen_Allgemeine Zeitung.pdf | 289.33 KB |
NAM_2023_03_Two rhino poachers arrested_Allgemeine Zeitung_Eng.pdf | 287.8 KB |
Twee mans is gister omstreeks 09:00 in die Dordabis-omgewing in hegtenis geneem nadat hulle glo twee swartrenosters, ‘n koei en ‘n kalf, op ‘n plaas doodgeskiet het. Die verdagtes het ‘n jaggeweer in hul besit gehad, asook 15 koeëls, waarvan drie reeds gebruik is. Twee renosterhorings is ook gevind. Die waarde van die renosters is sowat N$500 000 per renoster. Die mans is aangekla vir verskeie oortredings, insluitende vir die jag van beskermde wild en omdat hulle in besit was van ongelisensieërde wapens. Die polisie se ondersoek duur voort.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Twee renosterstropers aangekeer_Republikein.pdf | 223.54 KB |
NAM_2023_03_Two rhino poachers apprehended_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 198.5 KB |
Two men were arrested yesterday around 09:00 in the Dordabis area after they allegedly poached two black rhinos, a cow and a calf, on a farm. The suspects had a hunting rifle in their possession, as well as 15 bullets, of which three had already been used. Two rhino horns were also found. The rhinos are valued at around N$500 000 each. The men were charged with various offences, including hunting protected wildlife and being in possession of unlicensed weapons. Police investigations continue.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Two rhino poachers apprehended_Namibian Sun.pdf | 309.21 KB |
The Namibian Police have arrested two men, aged 47 and 27, who allegedly shot and killed two black rhinos (a cow and a calf) on a farm in the Dordabis area, Khomas Region. According to Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, spokesperson of the Namibian Police, the incident happened on Thursday, 16 March 2023, at about 09:00. It is alleged that the two suspects shot and killed two rhinos and were also found with a 375-calibre firearm, with 13 live cartridges and three spent cartridges. The rhinos are worth N$500 000 each. Two rhino horns were also found at the scene.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Two rhinos shot and poached in Dordabis_Informante.pdf | 60.58 KB |
The High Court in Polokwane has convicted and sentenced 36- year-old Bethuel Mdubane to 24 years effective imprisonment for an assortment of crimes including murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and hunting and shooting two rhinos. Additionally, Mdubane was also sentenced for unlawful possession of stolen car, two counts of possession of ammunition, and three counts of unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
A man was arrested for keeping lions on a plot in Dennydale Agricultural Holdings. Police arrested a 43-year-old man after he was found in possession of three lions, without a valid permit, on a plot in Dennydale Agricultural Holdings. Randfontein police spokesperson Sergeant Carmen Hendricks said police officers were acting on a tip-off when they made the arrests.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Man arrested for keeping lions on plot without permit_The Citizen.pdf | 426.8 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism yesterday said they responded to a report about a Hippo that was found dead in the Muyako area, in a purported poaching incident. The Ministry's Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that upon close inspection by staff members, it was found that the hippo had a bullet wound, adding that it was poached the previous night. "When the team arrived, community members had already gathered in anticipation for the meat distribution exercise.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Hippo poached at Zambezi_Windhoek Observer.pdf | 274.85 KB |
Three suspected poachers have been detained by Tanzanian police after they were found in possession of six elephant tusks in the country's northern region of Manyara, police said on Saturday.
Police has arrested three men for illegal possession of seven leopard skins in Victoria Falls.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ZIM_2023_03_Three nabbed for illegal possession of leopard skins_New Zimbabwe.pdf | 339.58 KB |
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has launched an investigation into the poaching of two hippos in the Muyako area of the Zambezi region. This comes after the carcass of a hippo was on Sunday found by community members, who then alerted ministry officials Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda on Monday said it is suspected that the hippo died as a result of a bullet wound, and that it was shot on Saturday night. He said this was the second hippo killed in the same way in the area this year, with the first incident reported in February.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2023_03_Two hippos poached at Muyako_Zambezi_The Namibian.pdf | 299.15 KB |
Last week, the South African Police Service in Piet Retief achieved a commendable result by arresting a 27-year-old man in possession of two rhino horns. The arrest came after members of the public brought information about the suspect’s alleged dealings to the attention of the police. Upon searching his vehicle, the police found two rhino horns hidden inside the bonnet and wrapped with black plastic. The fact that the local community is speaking out against wildlife crime is also a positive development.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2023_03_Man arrested with 2 rhino horns_STS.pdf | 269.64 KB |
A number of approaches have been used to safeguard different natural resources. Use, and vulnerability mainly depends on its social, and economic value. Wildlife, considerably more valuable- has generated a lot of interest as concerned parties try to apply different approaches to ensure that it is protected. It is unfortunate that some of the wildlife species, like animals' numbers that dwindled because human beings always target them as a means of survival or tampered with their habitats.
The Criminal Offenses Investigation Directorate (DIIP) detained in flagrante two nationals in possession of 10 rhinoceros horns that would be sold for four million Kwanzas, in the Nambambi neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city of Lubango, Huíla province, this Thursday said. fair to the police.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ANG_2021_10_PN detained two men with 10 rhino horns that they intended to sell for 4 million Kz.pdf | 449.65 KB |
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Wednesday paraded before media a group of suspects including; Murokozi Desire, Gisa Derrick, Kaburaburyo Cyriaqué a Burundian national and Nicodem Bagabo from Democratic Republic of Congo. The three were found in possession with a consignment of elephant tusks. According to World Wildlife Fund -a leading organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species, poachers kill about 20,000 elephants every single year for their tusks, which are then traded illegally in the international market to eventually end up as ivory trinkets.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
RWA_2021_10_Rwanda arrests 4 poachers with elephant tusks_Journal of African Elephants.pdf | 654.88 KB |
A 24 percent decline in the number of white rhinos over the past decade has caused wildlife conservationists to panic over the future of the endangered pachyderms on the African continent. Despite concerted efforts made by most African states to protect their rhinoceros populations, an International Rhino Foundation (IRF) report has revealed that rhino numbers continue to drop due to poaching.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
AFRICA_2021-10_Continued African Rhino loses alarm conservationists_ FairPlanet.pdf | 75.19 KB |
According to the report, three Namibians were arrested on 15 October at Katima Mulilo for being in the possession of a live pangolin. Chika Ilukena, Mayuni and Nicky Mundia were charged with illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products. At Witvlei, three Namibians were arrested on 16 October when they were caught with an oryx carcass.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2021_10_23 arrested for wildlife crimes_Namibian Sun.pdf | 247.19 KB |
Germany on Tuesday granted Tanzania 71 million Euros (about 82.3 million U.S. dollars) for financing various projects, including those initiated to fight poaching and prevent human-wildlife conflicts. An agreement to the grant was signed in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam by Tanzania’s deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Amina Shaaban, and Marcus von Essen, head of the East Africa Division in the Federal German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
TAN_2021_10_Tanzania gets grant for projects of fighting poaching improving water access_News Ghana.pdf | 154.87 KB |
Mangochi Police have arrested Group Village Headman Maundu aged 49 and Rashid White Jusa, 55, over possession of pangolin.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
MAL_2021_10_Two arrested for possessing Pangolin in Mangochi_Malawi 24_Malawi news.pdf | 882.8 KB |
Boere in die Witvlei-omgewing is opnuut moedeloos met 'n vlaag van vee- en wildmisdaad oor die afgelope maand, terwyl hulle sê die regstelsel misluk daarin om enige beskerming aan hulle of hul eiendom te bied.
Farmers in the Witvlei area are once again discouraged with a spate of livestock and game crime over the past month, saying the legal system is failing to provide any protection to them or their property.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2021_10_Witvlei_boere_Regstelsel faal ons_Repiblikein.pdf | 375.59 KB |
NAM_2021_10_Witvlei farmers_Legal system fails us_Republikein_Eng.pdf | 375.03 KB |
The Botswana government is moving rhinos out of the Okavango Delta after a surge in poaching that has seen 92 of the endangered animals killed in the past two years, compared to just seven in 2010 to 2018. The delta is one of two World Heritage Sites in the southern African country, a 20,000 square-kilometer (7,700 square-mile) wetland populated by 130 animal species, including white and black rhinos. It's Botswana's premier tourist attraction and the rhinos are a major drawcard.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
BOT_2021_10_Botswana moves rhinos out of Okavango Delta as poaching worsens_Bloomberg.pdf | 161.85 KB |
The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has welcomed the hefty sentences handed down by a North West court to three rhino poachers on Wednesday. The Mogwase regional court handed down sentences of 85 years each to Mozambican nationals Arlindo Muhlanga, Adam Hlongwane and Gamula Chauke. The men were arrested in 2018 after the poaching and dehorning of three white rhino cows in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2021_10_Department welcomes hefty sentences imposed on three rhino poachers_Times Live.pdf | 370.12 KB |
According to the latest wildlife crime report, Petrus van Rensburg was arrested at Ariamsvlei on 9 October with 10 oryx carcasses. He was charged for the illegal hunting of huntable game. In another incident, Kaserandu Tjiumbua was arrested at Kamdesha on 10 October for poisoning four lions and two spotted hyenas. He was charged with illegal hunting of game and for administering poison. At Rundu, Dominikus Ndara was arrested on 11 October for being in the possession of a python skin. He was charged for the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2021_10_20 wildlife products seized from 9 suspects_Namibian Sun.pdf | 294.92 KB |
Environment, forestry and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta has revealed that Namibia's elephant population has grown to an estimated 23 736 since independence.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
NAM_2021_10_Elephant conservation efforts yield results Shifeta_The Namibian.pdf | 616.78 KB |
Five men have been arrested in the Western Cape in connection with the illegal possession of more than 5 600 succulents. The arrests were the result of an integrated operation between the police, Malmesbury Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature, said police spokesperson Sergeant Luqmaan Adams on Thursday. "The suspects were arrested after they were stopped and searched on the N7 close to Vanrhynsdorp.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2021_10_Five arrested for allegedly poaching Western Cape succulents_News24.pdf | 269.77 KB |
Three men accused of rhino poaching have each been sentenced to an effective 35 years in jail. They were found in possession of rhino horn valued at R1.5 million. The accused were found to have killed three female rhinos in 2018.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2021_10_Three poachers get an effective 35 years behind bars for killing 3 female rhinos_News24.pdf | 431.48 KB |
Three poachers were sentenced to a cumulative 85 years imprisonment on charges relating to a rhino poaching incident at the Pilanesberg Game Reservice in the North West. On 2 July 2018, the trio were trying to leave the game reserve in the North West in a white Ford bakkie loaded with stolen rhino horns valued at R1.5 million. Their bail application was denied and they remained in police custody until the completion of the trial.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
SA_2021_10_Three rhino poachers sentenced to 85 years imprisonment_The Citizen.pdf | 430.25 KB |
Botswana wildlife authorities have refuted reports the country's rhinoceros population is on the verge of extinction due to poaching. The southern African country has battled a rise in poaching, with more than 60 animals killed in the last two years.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
BOT_2021_10_Botswana allays concerns over rhino poaching crisis_VOA News.pdf | 360.29 KB |
Two Mbire poachers were yesterday sentenced to a combined 20-year jail term by Guruve magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa over possession of 34,12kg of elephant tusks.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ZIM_2021_10_Mbire poachers jailed 20 years_NewsDay.pdf | 343.06 KB |
A 37-year-old man of Toteng village was on Friday last week acquitted and discharged of unlawful possession of elephant tusks. It was alleged that on August 20th, Kangootui Kangootui was found in possession of two elephant tusks weighing 16.8kg valued at P27,513.55 wrapped in old blankets along Kunyere River. According Magistrate Keneilwe Kgoadi, the state has failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
BOT_2021_10_Man acquitted of illegal possession of elephant tusks_The Voice Botswana.pdf | 567.68 KB |
Arusha - Tourism players have pumped a multimillion shillings into an extensive anti-poaching programme designed to protect the priceless wildlife heritage into the country's wild animals-richest Serengeti National Park.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
TAN_2021_10_Investors Dish Out Sh150 Million to Boost Anti_Poaching Drive_allAfrica_com.pdf | 148.04 KB |
Poaching has been the greatest threat to wildlife and might cause its extinction in different African countries including Zimbabwe, a wildlife expert has said. Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe president Emmanuel Fundira yesterday said, while game meat production can contribute to economic growth in the country, there was need to curb poaching activities. In a survey conducted in eastern Madagascar, it was revealed that 95% of those interviewed said they had eaten at least one protected species.
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
ZIM_2021_10_Poaching a threat to Africas wildlife_NewsDay.pdf | 946.8 KB |