Suspected poacher wounded by farmer

A farmer shot and wounded a suspected poacher in the leg at farm Kaliombo in the Karibib district on Sunday.

It is alleged the farmer acted in self-defence, after a group of alleged poachers attempted to attack him after he discovered them on his farm.

According to a crime update provided by the Namibian police, the farm owner (65) was alerted to possible intruders (65) when he heard dogs barking on Sunday at about 23:45.

He was also notified about suspected poachers on his farm by security guards from K-Sapu Security and Anti-Poaching.

The farmer, who has not yet been identified by the police, conducted an inspection and found three men carrying meat. The suspects were armed with spears, an axe and were accompanied by three dogs.

Attack

It is alleged the poachers attempted to attack him with their spears. In response, the farmer shot one of the poachers in the leg, claiming self-defence.

The remaining poachers fled the scene when they heard the shot fired.

The injured man was found lying on the ground, nursing a gunshot wound on his left lower leg, the police stated.

He was taken to Karibib state clinic for medical treatment.

He is in stable clinical condition and remains under police guard.

The police said the man, not yet named, has been identified as a habitual poacher in the Karibib area, with previous convictions.

A spear and an axe were found in a black bag in his possession. A hunted oryx carcass was also recovered near the B2 road.

The police investigation has revealed that the suspects were dropped off at the farm in a white pick-up vehicle.

The police are continuing with their investigation and the tracing of the alleged poachers who fled the scene.