Eight rhinos poached in Etosha National Park in four months, 14 suspects arrested
via The Namibian4 min read
Eight rhinos have been poached in Etosha National Park, specifically on the Omusati side, since January of this year. Omusati police regional commander Ismael Basson confirmed the deaths and stated that 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents. A member of the anti-poaching unit indicated that some poachers enter the national park with traditional healers for rituals believed to offer protection during illegal hunting. These rituals are allegedly intended to prevent arrest or failure in poaching activities. Some poachers are also reported to cross into Angola to consult traditional healers for similar rituals before poaching trips. Basson acknowledged rumors about poachers using witchcraft but stated it has not been confirmed from his side. Intelligence services have informed the police that the market for rhino horns is in Angola, leading to the suspicion that buyers are located there. Basson expressed serious concern about the poaching in Etosha and urged the public to report anyone involved in poaching. He also warned against entering the national park, as it is a restricted area, and highlighted the danger of shootouts between poachers and anti-poaching units. Last August, a traditional healer was arrested in the Oshana region for allegedly performing protective rituals for poachers entering Etosha National Park.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia plans to increase its protected marine areas from 1.7% to 11% by 2030, as stated by Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani at the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable. This initiative aligns with the global goal of protecting 30% of land and sea areas by 2030. The country is implementing ecosystem-based management in fisheries, including catch limits and monitoring fish stocks, and is developing aquaculture. Namibia is also updating the management plan for the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area and identifying new ecologically significant marine areas for protection. A marine spatial management plan for its exclusive economic zone is under development to guide the use of ocean space for various activities. Zaamwani highlighted that oceans face pressure from illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change, necessitating global action. Separately, a motion was tabled in parliament to scrutinize Namibia's fishing quota allocation system due to concerns about fairness, transparency, declining fish stocks, and political influence in the sector, receiving support from opposition parties.
Must ReadDetective chief inspector Antonius Gabriel testified in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court, opposing bail for murder accused Petrus Shikwaya. Gabriel described Shikwaya as the “lubricant machinery” and financier behind the killing of prosecutor Justine Shiweda. According to the detective, Shikwaya allegedly funded the purchase of acid used in the attack and provided fuel for the vehicle that transported the substance to Ondangwa. Gabriel stated that Shikwaya also purchased the vehicle used to transport the acid to northern Namibia for his co-accused, Lukas Nekwiyu, and served as the link between those involved in the alleged murder conspiracy. Gabriel expressed concerns that Shikwaya could interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations if released, noting that several of Shikwaya’s relatives are witnesses. He also alleged that a fugitive linked to the case, who received N$4,950 from Shikwaya shortly after Shiweda’s shooting, has been intimidating witnesses and journalists. Gabriel further raised concerns that Shikwaya could abscond, citing the discovery of an alleged escape plan among Shikwaya and fellow accused Johannes Nghilifavali. The state’s opposition to bail is based on the seriousness of the charges, Shikwaya’s alleged propensity to commit crime, prima facie evidence, and public interest concerns. The bail hearing is ongoing.
Petrus Shikwaya, 22, accused of murder and fraud, allegedly used N$2.1 million fraudulently obtained from Sanlam for various purchases, including substantial amounts at KFC fast-food outlets and building material suppliers. This information was presented at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court during Shikwaya’s bail application by Detective chief inspector Antonious Gabriel, a lead investigator in the Sanlam fraud case. Police investigations traced portions of the alleged stolen funds to these transactions. Shikwaya faces charges related to the murder of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda and fraud involving N$2.1 million from Sanlam. The state claims he defrauded Sanlam of about N$154,000 by faking hospitalization due to malnutrition. The state opposes his bail due to the seriousness of the offenses and ongoing investigations. Gabriel testified that Shikwaya personally benefited from assets acquired with fraud proceeds, including a silver Volkswagen Polo purchased by his uncle, Abner Mateus, and a farming unit near Windhoek. The farming unit was allegedly bought from Vitalis ‘Dax’ Nepembe, who was arrested two weeks prior in connection with a N$385,000 transaction linked to the Sanlam fraud case. The building materials were reportedly for his uncle’s farming unit. The state maintains these funds originated from the money allegedly defrauded from Sanlam. Gabriel stated that some individuals who defrauded Sanlam paid a portion to Mateus, which was then deposited into Shikwa