Staff Reporter
TWO female suspects — a 50-year-old Namibian and a 26-year-old Angolan — were arrested at Oshakati on Friday and are expected to appear in court today on charges of illegal possession of controlled wildlife products and disguising the origin of unlawful property.
The suspects were apprehended at the Dr Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market, where they were allegedly found selling controlled wildlife products without a valid permit.
Recovered items include jewellery and other items made out of elephant tusks/ivory, the value of which has not yet been determined.
Elephant ivory jewellery — a symbol of wealth in Ovawambo culture — is strictly regulated or prohibited due to wildlife protection laws.
Known as “omakipa”, the jewellery is carved from elephant ivory and was mostly worn by female members of royal clans and wealthy families.
