Fourth Chinese suspect added to rhino horn case

Four Chinese suspects, who were arrested in connection with allegedly trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the Namibia, will now be appearing together in the Windhoek Regional Court in Katutura at the end of the month. This follows a decision by the Office of the Prosecutor-General that 40-year-old Wang Huii, who was arrested last month at the Windhoek Country Club, should appear together with three other Chinese suspects who were arrested last year. Huii appeared yesterday in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court in Katatura, where his case was postponed to June 25 and 26. He will appear together with Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin, who were allegedly caught last year with the 14 rhino horns worth more than N$2.3 million, as well as a leopard skin valued at about N$50 000, in their luggage at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. The men were on their way to Hong Kong via Johannesburg. Huii is originally from Jang Su in China, but has been living in Otjiwarongo, where he owns the Happy Life Import Export Company. Last year, during a bail hearing for the other three suspects, Li Xiaoliang, Li Zhibing and Pu Xuexin told the court that they would stay at Huii’s home in Otjiwarongo if they were released on bail. However, they were denied bail. Huii has also been remanded in custody. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT