Protected plants worth N$2 million seized near Arandis

Authorities have recovered 295 protected Elephant’s-foot succulents valued at more than N$2 million after two suspects were arrested near Arandis.

The case relates to alleged plant poaching near Arandis after intelligence was received on 25 April about the possible illegal harvesting of the plants near a mine.

According to the incident report, a law enforcement team patrolling the road between Usakos and Arandis spotted a white pick-up travelling at high speed in the Valencia area. Two men were allegedly found loading 50 kg bags containing Adenia pechuelii, commonly known as Elephant’s-foot.

The suspects appeared in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court and remain in custody. The adult suspect was identified as 33-year-old Tjipetekera Kuzatu. The second suspect is 16 years old and may not be named.

A well-placed source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as this may jeopardise future investigations, said the value of the seized plants is estimated at more than N$2 million.

Poacher’s target

The source said Elephant’s-foot is a succulent plant targeted mainly for ornamental purposes.

“It is mostly exported for ornamental purposes. At this stage, we have not found that it is being used for anything else,” the source said.

The individual said the plants are attractive to collectors because of their appearance and scarcity, adding that they are often sought after as water-wise ornamental plants or bonsai-type specimens.

He warned that the removal of such plants from the wild causes lasting damage.

“When you remove the plant from nature, it leaves a gap. These plants grow slowly and many of them will not survive once removed,” he said.

Namibian Sun understands that several similar incidents were reported earlier this year and that the plants are often moved out of Namibia through regional corridors before being exported to buyers on other continents.

In 2024, researchers noted that the “endemic species is highly sought-after by international plant collectors because of its peculiar shape that comes from growing in rocky areas. Unfortunately, plants from the wild are preferred as plants grown in the nursery tend to have a uniform shape”.

They added that based on the rate of illegal harvesting, Adenia pechuelii is threatened with extinction.