Pangolin skin suspects denied bail

Namibians Jeremia Ndjomena (39) and Moses Vanyika (30) have been denied bail after being arrested in Walvis Bay for allegedly being in possession of a pangolin skin and seeking a buyer.

Police said the men were arrested during an operation at a hotel on 22 October at about 10:00, following information that they were allegedly in possession of the protected wildlife product and looking for a buyer. One pangolin skin was confiscated.

The suspects appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on 23 October. They were charged under the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act 9 of 2008, as amended, with the alleged possession of and/or dealing in controlled wildlife products without the required authorisation or permit.

The case was postponed to 15 March 2027.

The Namibian Police warned the public against the illegal possession, purchase, sale or trade of pangolins, pangolin skins and other protected wildlife products.

-Frieda Molotho