11 arrested with eight wildlife products

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Eleven suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crime and six new cases were registered last week.

According to statistics provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources division within the safety and security ministry, eight illegal wildlife products were seized as well.

At Okahandja, three Namibians were arrested on 24 July for illegally hunting a wildebeest. Festus Nyama, Staynley Bwendo and Phoster Manyando were charged for violating the Nature Conservation Ordinance Act. A hunting rifle was also confiscated. The case was not reported last week.

In another incident at Kahenge, a Namibian was arrested with two python skins on 26 July. Hamutenya Mutjireni was charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

At Rundu, two Namibians were arrested on 27 July for being in possession of a pangolin skin. Johannes Makayi and Michael Mutangara were both charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

In a separate incident at Rundu on 28 July, two Namibians were also arrested with a pangolin skin. Laurensia Haingura and Michael Kahare were charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

Rhino poaching

Meanwhile at Outjo, a Namibian was arrested on 29 July for poaching a rhino. The poached rhino was reported on 25 July. Kanana Liyeekeni was charged with illegally hunting specially protected game.

At Rundu, a Namibian, Erastus Kashogo, was arrested with two elephant tusks on 29 July. He was charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

In another incident at Otjondeka, Namibian Chept Tjiveze was arrested with an elephant tusk piece on 30 July and charged for illegally being in possession of controlled wildlife products.