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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 63
Thursday, 29 February 2024
2024. Poaching increases in South Africa.
Rhino poaching in South Africa rose by 10% in 2023 versus the previous year. While the numbers came as no surprise, it is a stark reminder that there is still a lot of work to do to overcome the rhino poaching crisis!
Thursday, 29 February 2024
Thornycroft P 2024. Scores of elephants killed in Botswana amid poaching surge.

Scores of elephants have been killed for their ivory in Botswana in recent months as a southern African country once considered a sanctuary for wildlife has seen a surge in poaching. Poachers are thought to have killed at least 60 elephants in the past three months in the north of the country and in Chobe National Park, one of the world's top wildlife destinations. Gunmen are particularly targeting the few remaining "big tusker" elephants which have already been hunted to near-extinction.

Wednesday, 28 February 2024
2024. Livestock farmers lose N$14m to theft, drought.
Livestock and game farmers have lost more than N$14 million worth of animals to predation, theft, drought-related illnesses and disasters, as well as property damage by problem animals. According to the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) newsletter, a comprehensive analysis by the Livestock Producers' Organisation (LPO) reveals a staggering loss of N$14 399 440 stemming from only 1 248 reports from the organisation's members. "This represents a fraction of the total livestock sector.
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
2024. Nashorn-Wilderei in Südafrika merklich angestiegen.
In Südafrika hat die Wilderei von Nashörnern merklich zugenommen. Im vergangenen Jahr seien 499 Breitmaul- und Spitzmaulnashörner illegal getötet worden, teilte das südafrikanische Umweltministerium am Dienstag mit. Dies sei ein Anstieg um 11 Prozent im Vergleich zu 2022, sagte Umweltministerin Barbara Creecy. Besonders stark betroffen sei die südöstliche Provinz KwaZulu-Natal, in der 325 Fälle registriert wurden, so die Ministerin. Hotspot sei der Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park der Provinz, wo 307 illegal getötete Nashörner entdeckt wurden.
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
2024. South African National Parks and Namibian Rangers unite against poaching.

In a landmark display of cross-border cooperation, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Field Rangers from South Africa joined forces with their Namibian counterparts to conduct regular joint river patrol along the Orange River. This milestone collaboration marks a significant achievement following a three-year interruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The joint patrol, integral to the management of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP), aimed to address the rampant illegal gillnet activities that have been decimating fish populations in the area.

Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Steynberg F 2024. Vee- en wildboere ly reuse-verliese.
'n Omvattende ontleding deur die Lewendehaweprodusenteorganisasie (LPO) toon verbysterende verliese van byna N$14,4 miljoen wat deur roofdiere, diefstal, droogte-verwante siektes en rampe asook probleemdiere in 2023 veroorsaak is. Hierdie astronomiese bedrag spruit uit slegs 1 248 voorvalle wat deur LPO-lede gerapporteer is, wat ‘n fraksie van die totale veesektor verteenwoordig, volgens die Namibië Landbou-unie (NLU). "Boere voel moedeloos omdat niks aan hul situasie gedoen word nie en daarom is die rapportering baie laag.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
2024. KwaZulu-Natal carried the brunt of rhino poaching in 2023, says Creecy.
During 2023, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks/reserves/farms. This was an increase (of 51) in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
2024. Rhino poaching in South Africa increases in 2023.
South Africa recorded 499 rhinos poached in 2023, 51 more than the previous year, despite efforts to protect the animals, the government said on Tuesday. South Africa is home to nearly half of the critically-endangered black rhino population in Africa and to the world's largest population of near-threatened white rhinos. Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are used in east Asian countries for making traditional medicines and jewellery.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
2024. Rhino poaching on the rise.
A sobering statistic out of South Africa today as they report an increase in rhino poaching. Almost 500 rhinos were killed for their horn in 2023, more than 60% of those in just one state park. While Kruger National Park has successfully deployed layers of security measures to adapt to the poaching crisis, other Parks haven’t taken the necessary steps to date to prevent these devastating losses.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
2024. South Africa sees marked rise in rhino poaching.
The South African Environment Ministry said on Tuesday that the number of rhinos poached in the country had risen by more than 10% in 2023 compared with the previous year. International trade of rhino horn is prohibited but rhino horn continues to be smuggled to Asia, where it is highly valued, especially in Vietnam and China. How the figures broke down - The ministry said 499 black and white rhinoceroses were killed in 2023, mostly in state-run parks, compared with 448 the previous year.
Monday, 26 February 2024
Morris C 2024. Opportunity lost or covered - Nairobi court acquits Chinese national of wildlife trafficking.

It could have been the proverbial pot of gold. Instead, it became at best, an opportunity lost in the fight against transnational organized wildlife crime. On February 2, a Nairobi area court acquitted Hoang Thi Diu, a female of apparent Vietnamese/Chinese dual citizenship, of charges relating to the dealing and possession of 145 kilograms of ivory, rhino horn, lion's teeth, and claws. Objectively, and considering the evidence before the court, the verdict was not incorrect.

Thursday, 22 February 2024
2024. Successful apprehension of abalone poachers at Smitswinkel Bay, Cape Town.

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Environment Crime Investigation (ECI) Unit received tip-offs from the public about potential poaching activities at Smitswinkel Bay, Cape Town. A prompt response by the ECI, its Canine Unit and the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Marine Unit Rangers led to the apprehension of two suspected poachers who were found with a total of 291 units of abalone. The apprehended suspects were transported to the South African Police Services.

Tuesday, 20 February 2024
2024. Pangolins in danger of extinction.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says pangolins are in danger of extinction. This was revealed by executive director of environment, forestry and tourism Teofilus Nghitila on World Pangolin Day on Saturday. "While observing the day, the line ministry wishes to remind the public that our pangolins are in danger of extinction. These species continue to be illegally captured and are the most trafficked mammals since 2014," she said. Nghitila said the illegal capturing of pangolins is causing the local population to steeply decline, putting them at risk of extinction.
Monday, 19 February 2024
2024. Pangolins most trafficked mammals since 2014 - Ministry concerned over pervasive poaching.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism in Namibia delivered a stark message on World Pangolin Day, shedding light on the alarming rise in illegal trafficking and poaching activities targeting pangolins. Teofilus Nghitila, the Ministerial Executive Director, expressed deep concern over the ongoing illegal capture of pangolins, highlighting them as the most trafficked mammals since 2014. "Unfortunately, this relentless exploitation has led to a steep decline in their population, pushing them perilously close to extinction," he emphasized.

Saturday, 17 February 2024
Moser K 2024. Namibia warns of rising pangolin trafficking on World Pangolin Day.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism issued a warning on World Pangolin Day, exposing the extent of illegal trafficking and poaching activities targeting pangolins.
Friday, 9 February 2024
van der Walt I-M 2024. 'Gewoontestropers' vrygelaat.

Die twee mans wat tereggestaan het op aanklagte van stropery, Hermanus Kharugab en Ashley Eiseb, is ingevolge 'n uitspraak in 'n hersieningsaansoek in die hoërhof in Windhoek vrygelaat. Eiseb, wat volgens 'n lid van die Nossob Misdaadvoorkomingsforum, 'n "groot probleem is", en Kharugab is in November verlede jaar in hegtenis geneem ná hulle glo 'n motor gehuur het om wild in die Okahandja-omgewing te stroop. Regters Boas Usiku en Naomi Shivute het die skuldigbevindings en vonnisse teen beide mans tersyde gestel en beveel dat hulle uit aanhouding vrygelaat moet word.

Friday, 9 February 2024
van der Walt I-M 2024. Judges order release of alleged poachers.
Two men who stood trial on charges of poaching, Hermanus Kharugab and Ashley Eiseb, were released after a judgment review in the Windhoek High Court. Eiseb - who, according to a member of the Nossob Crime Prevention Forum, is a "big problem" - and Kharugab were arrested in November 2023 after they allegedly used a hired car to poach game in the Okahandja area. Judges Boas Usiku and Naomi Shivute set aside the convictions and sentences against both men and ordered their release from custody.
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Moser K 2024. Pangolinschmuggler festgesetzt.
Die Polizei hat erneut eine Verhaftung wegen illegalen Handels mit Schuppentier-Produkten vermeldet. Eigenen Angaben zufolge setzten sie zwei Männer angolanischer Staatsbürgerschaft fest, die im Besitz von zwei Pangolin-Häuten und 57 Pangolin-Schuppen waren. Sie wurden am vergangenen Freitag bei Outapi festgenommen, nachdem sie die Produkte zwei verdeckten Polizisten zum Kauf angeboten hatten. Police have again reported an arrest for illegal trafficking in pangolin products.
Friday, 29 October 2021
Zulu M 2021. Community wildlife conservation programs should go beyond meetings, self-help projects and poacher arrests.

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.

Thursday, 28 October 2021
2021. PN detained two men with 10 rhino horns that they intended to sell for 4 million Kz - It was necessary to kill 10 animals at serious risk of extinction to obtain them.

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.

Thursday, 28 October 2021
2021. Rwanda arrests 4 poachers with elephant tusks.

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.

Wednesday, 27 October 2021
Zenda C 2021. Continued African rhino loses alarm conservationists.

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.

Wednesday, 27 October 2021
Smit E 2021. 23 arrested for wildlife crimes.

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.

Wednesday, 27 October 2021
2021. Tanzania gets grant for projects of fighting poaching, improving water access.

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.

Tuesday, 26 October 2021
2021. Two arrested for possessing Pangolin in Mangochi.

Mangochi Police have arrested Group Village Headman Maundu aged 49 and Rashid White Jusa, 55, over possession of pangolin.

Tuesday, 26 October 2021
Hattingh E 2021. Witvlei-boere: Regstelsel faal ons.

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.

Sunday, 24 October 2021
Mguni M 2021. Botswana moves rhinos out of Okavango Delta as poaching worsens.

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.

Sunday, 24 October 2021
Mabuza E 2021. Department welcomes hefty sentences imposed on three rhino poachers.

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.

Friday, 22 October 2021
Smit E 2021. 20 wildlife products seized from 9 suspects.

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.

Friday, 22 October 2021
Kooper L 2021. Elephant conservation efforts yield results, Shifeta.

Environment, forestry and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta has revealed that Namibia's elephant population has grown to an estimated 23 736 since independence.

Friday, 22 October 2021
McCain N 2021. Five arrested for allegedly poaching Western Cape succulents.

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.

Thursday, 21 October 2021
McCain N 2021. Three poachers get an effective 35 years behind bars for killing 3 female rhinos.

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.

Thursday, 21 October 2021
Kahla C 2021. Three rhino poachers sentenced to 85 years imprisonment.

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.

Wednesday, 20 October 2021
Dube M 2021. Botswana allays concerns over rhino poaching crisis.

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.

Wednesday, 20 October 2021
Sithole S 2021. Mbire poachers jailed 20 years.

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.

Tuesday, 19 October 2021
Moemedi C 2021. Man acquitted of illegal possession of elephant tusks.

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.

Tuesday, 19 October 2021
2021. Tanzania: Investors dish out Sh150 million to boost anti-poaching drive.

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.

Tuesday, 19 October 2021
Siamilandu O 2021. Poaching a threat to Africa's wildlife.

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.

Monday, 18 October 2021
Looby C 2021. Drones are a knife in the gunfight against poaching. But they're leveling up.

At the peak of the rhino poaching war in South Africa in 2015 and 2016, poachers slaughtered nearly three rhinos a day. Although that rate has declined, the numbers are still disheartening and unsustainable, with poachers killing at least one rhino every day. Some conservationists have looked to drones as a potentially powerful tool in anti-poaching efforts, with the technology continuing to evolve. But experts say it isn’t at the level yet where it can meet the challenge, and that while it can be helpful, conservation efforts must continue to engage and educate local…

Monday, 18 October 2021
2021. War on rhino poaching in Kruger: 4 Arrests, 1 Fatality, 1 Rhino Killed, 1 Suspect Sentenced to 19 Years.

Four suspected rhino poachers were arrested over the weekend (15-18 October) in the Kruger National Park, thanks to the brave efforts of members of the Rangers Corp, assisted by the K9 Unit and the Aviators of the Airwing. The arrests - as well as one fatality - took place in the Stolznek section of the Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) said in an announcement today.

Saturday, 16 October 2021
van Zyl C 2021. Poacher sentenced to 19 years in prison after a white rhinoceros was killed.

The 38-year-old poacher was sentenced to 19 years behind bars after a white rhinoceros was killed in Lower Sabie in 2014.

Friday, 15 October 2021
David M 2021. Rhino and elephant poaching declines.

The poaching of endangered species such as rhinos and elephants in Namibia has significantly decline this year. This is according to data provided by Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Thursday. So for, a total of 14 rhinos and five elephants were killed by poachers this year in Namibia.

Friday, 15 October 2021
Ncube L 2021. Suspended sentences for wire snare poachers.

Two Victoria Falls men, one of them a neighbourhood watch committee (NWC) member, have been fined $6 000 each for trapping animals with wire snares.

Friday, 15 October 2021
Smit E 2021. Poaching, wildlife conflict connected.

The connections between poaching and human-wildlife conflict in conservancies are a significant local conservation concern. Meanwhile, poaching is compromising the ability of local communities to legally use natural resources to support local livelihoods, and reduces wildlife available for local economic development. This is according to the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Alka Bhatia. She was speaking at a signing ceremony of the 'integrated approach to proactive management of human-wildlife conflict and wildlife crime in hotspot landscapes in Namibia' project…

Thursday, 14 October 2021
Dillmann L 2021. Wildschutzprojekt gestartet.

Dem namibischen Umweltministerium werden künftig rund 92 Millionen N$ für den Schutz von Wild- und Nutztieren zur Verfügung stehen. Im Rahmen einer Zeremonie haben Vertreter des Umweltministeriums, des Entwicklungsprogramms der Vereinten Nationen (UNDP, United Nations Development Programme) und der nationalen Planungskommission (NPC, National Planning Commission) am Dienstagnachmittag die Projektpapiere unterzeichnet. Die Wildschutzstrategie wird von der globalen Umwelteinrichtung (GEF, Global Environment Facility) finanziert und soll ab Januar kommenden Jahres bis zum Jahr 2026…

Thursday, 14 October 2021
Smit E 2021. Stryd teen wildmisdaad kry N$ 92 miljoen.

Terwyl onlangse statistieke aandui Namibië wen die stryd teen wildmisdaad en mens-dier-konflik, sal 'n projek van stapel gestuur word om hierdie pogings te versterk. Dit volgens die uitvoerende direkteur van die omgewing, bosbou en toerisme, mnr. Teofilus Nghitila. Hy het dit tydens die ondertekening van die projekdokument getiteld "Geïntegreerde benadering tot pro-aktiewe bestuur van mens-dier-konflik en wildmisdaad in brandpunt-landskappe in Namibië" gesê.

Thursday, 14 October 2021
Smit E 2021. N$92m injection against wildlife crime.

While recent statistics indicate that Namibia is winning the battle against both wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict, an almost N$100 million project will intensify these efforts. This is according to the environment ministry executive director, Teofilus Nghitila. He was speaking at the signing of the project document. The total budget of the project is approximately N$92 million at current exchange rates and will ramp up Namibia's efforts to prevent and mitigate both human-wildlife conflict and wildlife crime in the period up to 2026.

Wednesday, 13 October 2021
Bloch S 2021. Conservation official and ex-cop charged in case involving 17 illegal rhino horns.

A long-serving nature conservation official and a former policeman have been charged in connection with illegally transporting 17 rhino horns from the Northern Cape to North West province in contravention of permit conditions.

Wednesday, 13 October 2021
2021. Liberia - 2 arrested for killing elephants.

Monrovia, Liberia - Two men have been arrested for killing two protected elephants in northern Liberia, the head of a national park said on Monday.

Wednesday, 13 October 2021
Petersen S Poaching: 369 arrests in nine months.

At least 369 alleged poachers have been arrested in the last nine months, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says. "Of these cases, 100 are related to pangolin poaching and trafficking, 64 to elephant poaching and trafficking, while 113 are related to rhino poaching and trafficking," ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says. Over the last five years, elephant poaching has declined from 50 cases in 2017 to five thus far this year, while rhino poaching declined from 81 cases in 2018 to 14 this year. Ministry officials last week discovered two carcasses…

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