Chinese in court over rhino horns
The two Chinese nationals who were arrested last week for possession of rhino horns worth more than N$400 000 appeared in court yesterday and their case was postponed to next month.
Yonghui Lu (41) and Nan Chen (29) made their first court appearance before the Windhoek Magistrate Court yesterday.
The two Chinese nationals appeared on charges of possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products. The case was postponed to 13 February for a formal bail hearing. State prosecutor Rowan van Wyk said the two Chinese were in possession of rhino horns valued at N$404 000 and weighing 505kg.
He objected against bail, saying that the suspects are a flight risk and might interfere in the investigation.
Kadhila Amoomo, who appeared on behalf of Chen, said they would request the State for the entire record of proceedings emanating from the search, warrant and the charging as well as the chain of custody as far as the rhino horns are concerned.
The two men were remanded in custody.
They were arrested at around 22:00 on Thursday at Berghoff Flats in Eros, Windhoek, after a joint operation by the Namibian Police and Windhoek City Police.
Items found alongside the rhino horns were described as a rhino poaching kit, including hunting rifles, bullets and other items.
The two men had reportedly entered the country from Zambia sometime in the past month.
The Chinese men had allegedly been seen at a popular gambling establishment in Windhoek during the week, flashing large amounts of cash, sources told Namibian Sun. Official confirmation could not be obtained from the police.
The two men appeared before Magistrate Edien Iyambo.
ELLANIE SMIT
Yonghui Lu (41) and Nan Chen (29) made their first court appearance before the Windhoek Magistrate Court yesterday.
The two Chinese nationals appeared on charges of possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products. The case was postponed to 13 February for a formal bail hearing. State prosecutor Rowan van Wyk said the two Chinese were in possession of rhino horns valued at N$404 000 and weighing 505kg.
He objected against bail, saying that the suspects are a flight risk and might interfere in the investigation.
Kadhila Amoomo, who appeared on behalf of Chen, said they would request the State for the entire record of proceedings emanating from the search, warrant and the charging as well as the chain of custody as far as the rhino horns are concerned.
The two men were remanded in custody.
They were arrested at around 22:00 on Thursday at Berghoff Flats in Eros, Windhoek, after a joint operation by the Namibian Police and Windhoek City Police.
Items found alongside the rhino horns were described as a rhino poaching kit, including hunting rifles, bullets and other items.
The two men had reportedly entered the country from Zambia sometime in the past month.
The Chinese men had allegedly been seen at a popular gambling establishment in Windhoek during the week, flashing large amounts of cash, sources told Namibian Sun. Official confirmation could not be obtained from the police.
The two men appeared before Magistrate Edien Iyambo.
ELLANIE SMIT
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article