Chinese rhino horn case postponed

The case involving four Chinese men accused of smuggling 14 rhino horns worth more than N$2 million out of Namibia has been postponed to today. Li Zhibing, Li Xiaoliang and Pu Xuexin were caught with 14 rhino horns worth N$2.3 million as well as a leopard skin worth about N$50 000 in their luggage on March 24 last year at Hosea Kutaku International Airport. Wang Hui was arrested later this year at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort. Li Zhibing on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the unlawful export or attempt to export rhino horns and leopard skin. On other charges that include unlawfully dealing in controlled wildlife products, unlawful possession of controlled wildlife products and money laundering he and Li Xiaoliang, Pu and Wang pleaded not guilty. State Prosecutor Simba Ndunda was to continue questioning the witnesses yesterday but the case had to be postponed because Magistrate Alexis Diergaardt was ill. Ndunda will today continue questioning Warrant Officer Wilhemiina Shetunyenga, who is testifying about the day when the rhino horns and leopard skin were found in the luggage of the accused at the airport. Defence lawyer Orben Sibeya is representing the four accused. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT