Pangolin trafficking arrests surge

There has been an increase in the number of arrests made in crimes related to pangolin trafficking between 1 September and 30 November.According to environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, 18 pangolin skins, 12 live pangolins and 146 scales were confiscated, resulting in 23 registered cases and 38 suspects being arrested.“These numbers surpass that of elephant and rhino arrests combined for this period.”Muyunda said these cases are predominantly from the northern regions, with Kavango West having the most cases registered (six), followed by Kavango East, Ohangwena, Oshana and Zambezi (three each).The central regions cumulatively registered four cases, while only one was registered in Kunene.Prior to September, only six live animals were recovered and 19 skins confiscated between January and August, Muyunda said.“The total animals poached this year – taking into account live animals, skins and scales confiscated - comes to 50, with an additional two foetuses miscarried by live confiscated female pangolins.”Under serious threatMuyunda stressed that pangolins are under serious threat, adding that the trafficking of wildlife is serious offence.“You will be arrested and sentenced for this crime.”According to him, to date, the heaviest sentence for the trafficking of a pangolin or its parts in Namibia was nine years’ direct imprisonment, while the heaviest fine was N$800 000.Pangolins are protected under the Nature Conservation Ordinance and the Controlled Wildlife Trade and Products Act.Possession of a pangolin or its parts carries the same maximum sentence as for a rhino horn - up to 15 years and up to a N$15 million fine. The trafficking or sale of pangolins carries a sentence of up to 25 years and a N$25 million fine.

Pangolin trafficking arrests surge

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-15

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Pangolin trafficking arrests surge

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-15

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