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.
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