NAU urges farmers, rural public to report drones amid poaching concerns
Farmers have raised concerns about a rise in drone activity, fearing it may be linked to poaching or theft.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), drones have become an increasing nuisance across the country, with more farmers and rural residents reporting sightings – especially at night.
“The question was raised whether these drone sightings hold any connection to poaching or theft incidents,” the union said.
In response, NAU has called on the public to report sightings so that these may be investigated.
The union said a group of concerned citizens has established a data collection protocol to log sightings potentially linked to potential criminal activity.
“Alarm has been raised with the police and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), and both instances require written feedback to start an investigation," NAU explained.
Assist investigations
The union said data collection will include monitoring sightings, mapping locations or flight paths, recording frequency, and noting the size of the drones.
“Should drones be confiscated, they should be handled with care so that fingerprints, IP address details, drone type, make and model, and footage can be secured.”
The NAU said individuals who observe drone activity are encouraged to follow specific steps, including joining a regional WhatsApp group.
Observers should complete an affidavit and have it certified at a police station, the union added.
The completed form, along with any photos (if they are available), should then be shared in the relevant WhatsApp group to enable authorities to investigate possible links to criminal activity in the area.
The tourism ministry recently announced a complete ban on drones within Etosha National Park, citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), drones have become an increasing nuisance across the country, with more farmers and rural residents reporting sightings – especially at night.
“The question was raised whether these drone sightings hold any connection to poaching or theft incidents,” the union said.
In response, NAU has called on the public to report sightings so that these may be investigated.
The union said a group of concerned citizens has established a data collection protocol to log sightings potentially linked to potential criminal activity.
“Alarm has been raised with the police and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), and both instances require written feedback to start an investigation," NAU explained.
Assist investigations
The union said data collection will include monitoring sightings, mapping locations or flight paths, recording frequency, and noting the size of the drones.
“Should drones be confiscated, they should be handled with care so that fingerprints, IP address details, drone type, make and model, and footage can be secured.”
The NAU said individuals who observe drone activity are encouraged to follow specific steps, including joining a regional WhatsApp group.
Observers should complete an affidavit and have it certified at a police station, the union added.
The completed form, along with any photos (if they are available), should then be shared in the relevant WhatsApp group to enable authorities to investigate possible links to criminal activity in the area.
The tourism ministry recently announced a complete ban on drones within Etosha National Park, citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching.
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Namibian Sun
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