Fourteen arrested in connection with rhino poaching in Etosha National Park and a nearby farm
via The Namibian2 min read
Fourteen individuals, including two pensioners, have been arrested in connection with the poaching of seven rhinos in Etosha National Park and one at a nearby farm. Omusati regional police commander commissioner Ismael Basson confirmed the arrests. Among those apprehended are Thomas Jafet 66, also known as ‘Familia’, and Timoteus Amuthenu 60, who were arrested on April 22. Other suspects include Andreas Shanghala 35, Ndeulikusa Kunasha 56, Petrus Mumbala 47, Tjambiru Vetengapo 30, Kapenduka Ruhozu 35, Paulus Matias 25, Efraim Malakia 30, Levisiana Muzuma 33, and Elifas January 44, who is allegedly a Meatco employee. Two women, Secilia Fernandu, an Angolan national, and Ndinelago Awala 34, are also among the suspects, along with two other Angolan nationals, Raphael Tjipito 28 and Ndapohoni Haufiku 24. Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson Vilho Hangula stated that eight rhinos have been poached this year, comprising four black and four white rhinos. Seven of these incidents occurred in Etosha National Park, and one at a private farm. All suspects have appeared in court. Hangula declined to comment on alleged rituals by traditional healers to protect poachers, citing the sensitivity of the information and potential to jeopardize ongoing investigations.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadA letter from president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo cites the State House naked man incident as the reason for his removal. Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Tuesday night that she had replaced Shikongo with deputy inspector general for administration, major general Anne-Marie Nainda. The announcement came days after a naked man was found inside the presidential residence. A senior government official familiar with the letter confirmed that the security breach was specifically named as the grounds for removal. The letter was dispatched late on Tuesday after meetings of the country’s top security and political decision-makers. Another reason cited for Shikongo's removal is his alleged refusal to fire ex-presidential security chief commissioner Andreas Nelumbu and head of the VIP Protection Unit at State House Michael Abraham, with Shikongo reportedly insisting that labor laws did not allow arbitrary action without cause. Namrights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh suggests Shikongo is a sacrificial lamb, arguing that no one can enter State House without security clearance and passing through multiple security layers. However, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani stated that the president has the constitutional authority to appoint and dismiss senior officials at her discretion and is not required to explain her decision. Affirmative Repositing leader Job Amupanda suggests the decision is not valid, claiming the security
Jannik Sinner has urged Grand Slam tournaments to show tennis players more respect regarding prize money, though he stopped short of advocating a boycott. Last year, most top players sent letters to the four Grand Slam organizers, demanding increased prize money, contributions to a player welfare fund for retirement and maternity benefits, and involvement in decision-making. They aimed for a 22-percent share of tournament revenue, aligning with ATP and WTA 1000-level events. Sinner stated at the Italian Open that players are no closer to an agreement with Wimbledon, French, US, and Australian Open organizers. He emphasized that the issue is about respect, feeling players contribute more than they receive, and expressed disappointment that no resolution has been reached after a year. His comments follow women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka's readiness to boycott Grand Slams to pressure organizers. Players also criticized the French Open's 9.5-percent prize money increase, noting a 14-percent revenue rise only led to a 5.4-percent increase in the total prize purse, reducing the players' share to 14.3 percent. Sinner indicated he understands discussions about boycotts, acknowledging it might be a necessary step given the prolonged lack of progress.
Jonas Vingegaard is set to make his Giro d’Italia debut on Friday, aiming to win both the Italian Grand Tour and the Tour de France in the same year, a feat previously achieved by his rival Tadej Pogacar. Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner, is considered the favorite for the Giro, with Pogacar not participating this year. The 29-year-old, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, has had a strong season, winning stage races in Paris-Nice and the Tour of Catalonia. His climbing abilities are well-suited for the challenging three-week route. Vingegaard also seeks to become the eighth man to complete the triple crown of the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta a Espana, a goal he stated would "make a little bit of history." The field for the Giro is strong, though it will be missing last year's podium finishers and other notable riders like Richard Carapaz and Joao Alemeida. The race will feature seven summit finishes and a crucial individual time trial in stage 10. Giulio Pellizzari, the Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe leader, is expected to provide strong competition on home turf, offering Italian fans hope for a local winner. Pellizzari, who finished sixth in the Giro and Vuelta last season, has shown promising form this year, including a stage race win at the Tour of the Alps.
Roma is closing in on a return to the Champions League, with their hopes reignited after a strong run of form. Following a significant loss to Inter Milan a month ago, Roma has secured 10 points from their last four matches, placing them just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus and three points behind third-placed AC Milan. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini emphasized the need for continued focus, stating that the team cannot afford mistakes in their remaining three matches. Gasperini's position has been solidified after a public disagreement with Claudio Ranieri, who was subsequently dismissed from his role as senior advisor to Roma's American owners, the Friedkin family. Roma has not participated in Europe's top club competition since being eliminated in the last 16 seven years ago. AC Milan's recent struggles, including only seven points from their last two months and the absence of midfielder Luka Modric due to injury, have further boosted Roma's prospects. Roma's upcoming fixtures include matches against Parma and Verona, with a crucial Rome derby against Lazio sandwiched in between. Donyell Malen, on loan from Aston Villa, has been a key player for Roma, scoring 12 goals since January.