Three alleged Etosha poachers killed in gunfight

Three armed suspected poachers were shot dead on Saturday during a skirmish with members of the anti-poaching unit in Etosha National Park.According to the Namibian Police, members of the anti-poaching operation in Etosha noticed footprints inside the park near the fence during a patrol.The next day, on Saturday, 16 November, the poaching unit split into two teams to track the footprints of the suspected poachers.“When the suspected poachers realised they were being pursued, they opened fire on the anti-poaching unit members, leading to an exchange of gunfire,” the police said in a statement. As a result, three suspected poachers were shot dead.“Upon inspecting the scene, it was determined that the poachers were armed with three rifles, one of which was fitted with a silencer. Additionally, the poachers had used sponges on their shoes to hinder tracking,” the statement noted.No members of the anti-poaching unit were injured during the incident.Identities The identities of the suspected poachers have yet to be determined, as no identification documents were found on their bodies. Their remains are being kept at the Oshakati police mortuary.The police are requesting anyone with information or those missing a family member to visit the mortuary for possible identification of the deceased.The police commander in the Oshana Region and head of the Yesa Ongava anti-poaching operation in Etosha, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria, can be contacted at 081 124 7341 in this regard.Relentless poaching Sakaria on Monday confirmed that since he took over as commander of the operation in Etosha on 1 September, three rhinos have been poached in the park.The flagship park remains a hotspot for rhino poaching, with a total of 39 black rhinos and 11 white rhinos poached in Etosha this year.According to environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, 76 rhinos have been poached so far this year.– francoise@nmh.com.na

Three alleged Etosha poachers killed in gunfight

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Three alleged Etosha poachers killed in gunfight

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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