N$30 000 reward offered for Etosha poachers

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Namibian Police have announced a reward of N$30 000 for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the poaching of black rhino in the Etosha National Park recently. The carcass of the black rhino bull was found with 10 gunshot wounds on Tuesday morning near the Galton Gate. Its horn was hacked off. Police and ministry officials were immediately informed about the incident. It is believed the rhino was poached two to three days before it was discovered. The ministry has since condemned the illegal plundering of wildlife in the country and called on those involved to stop their selfish activities. According to the ministry, the security apparatus of the country is ready to confront whoever is caught taking part in these barbaric activities. It has vowed they will face the full wrath of the law. The ministry said that it, as well as the police, customs officials and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), will intensify efforts to prevent poaching and identify those who have are involved in such activities. The ministry also called upon the public to be extra vigilant and report any suspected cases of poaching and related incidences to the relevant authorities. Persons with information on the poaching in Etosha can send an SMS to the toll free Wildlife Poaching alert number 55555 or call Detective Chief Inspector Barry de Klerk at 081 1290054 or Detective Inspector Tsuses at 081 268 66646. Information will be treated as confidential. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT