Six arrested for wildlife crimes

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Six suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and five new cases were registered recently, while five wildlife products were seized.

Two suspects were arrested for rhino poaching or trafficking.

Another suspect was arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking. This is according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the ministry of environment and tourism and the protection resources division within the safety and security ministry.

On 28 February, Muronga Hamutima was arrested at Rundu for being in possession of a pangolin skin. He was charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act, illegal possession of controlled wildlife products. In another matter, Matheus Mbanze was arrested on 2 March at Rundu for being in possession of a pangolin skin. He was also charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act, illegal possession of controlled wildlife products.

At Omuthiya an Angolan national, Jermias Hilifavali, was arrested with one python skin on 4 March. He also faces charges of illegal possession of controlled wildlife products under the Controlled Wildlife products and Trade Act.

At Onesi, Natangwe Emmanuel Paulus was arrested on 5 March with a piece of elephant hide. He too is charged with illegal possession of controlled wildlife products.

At Otjiwarongo, an Angolan and Namibian were arrested with one rhino horn on 6 March. Joaquim Soma and Correia Matheus Gayeta were charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.