17 arrested for wildlife crimes last month

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



A total of 17 suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and nine new cases were registered last month, while 21 wildlife products were seized.

This is according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources division within the safety and security ministry.

Wildlife products confiscated included three pangolin skins, two live pangolins, two elephant tusks, four elephant tusk pieces, two hippo teeth, five lechwe carcasses and a giraffe carcass.

In the week of 8 to 14 February the most cases were reported (four) and eight suspects were arrested.

Three of these suspects were arrested in connection with elephant poaching or trafficking.

Two Namibian men were arrested on 8 February at Katarua for being in the possession of two elephant tusks and two hippo teeth. Lukas Dikuwa and Augistinus Kasinda were charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act and illegally possessing and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

On the same day in Oshakati, Olavi Kuume Kambonde was arrested for being in possession of four pieces of elephant ivory and six rounds of ammunition.

He was charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act, illegal possession of controlled wildlife products and illegal possession of ammunition.