Staff Reporter
IN a major success against the poaching syndicate, the Namibian authorities have arrested four suspects who were allegedly planning to hunt specially protected game species, Rhinoceros, at a farm in the Dordabis area. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 7th, at around 10:30 am, along the C23 road, a few meters from the T-Junction of B6 and C23 main road.
According to the Crime Report shared by the authorities, the suspects were arrested after the intelligence-driven operation by the Blue Rhino Task Team, with the assistance of WHK Operation members and Nampol Reservists. The officers were ready to intercept the suspects, who had allegedly travelled from Katima Mulilo to Windhoek before they could kill another rhino.
The authorities have seized various poaching tools and equipment from the possession of the suspects, including a 375 Caliber Hunting Rifle fitted with a telescope, a brand-new Axe, a Hunting Rifle .22 Ruger 77/22, a 9mm Pistol, five Pistol Bullets, and two brand new Knives. The suspects were also found to be in possession of live ammunition of 375 calibres and a black silencer without a serial number.
The suspects have been identified as one Zambian and three Namibians, and they will appear before the Windhoek Magistrate court on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023. They have been charged with multiple offenses, including Conspiracy to Hunt Specially Protected Game Species-Rhinoceros under Section 18 (2)(a) of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956, Prohibition of Possession of a Firearm without a License under Section 2 of Arms and Ammunitions Act 7 of 1996, and Prohibition of Possession of Ammunitions in Certain Circumstances under Section 33 of Arms and Ammunitions Act 7 of 1996.
The Namibian authorities have been actively working to combat poaching in the country, which is a major concern for wildlife conservationists. The successful operation is a significant step towards curbing this illegal trade, and the authorities have called for continued cooperation from the public to prevent such incidents in the future.
