Preacher Babi's rhino trial starts next month

Accused rhino poacher and self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Babi has been linked to at least three separate poaching cases that have now been consolidated into a single case for the purposes of trial.The trial begins in August in Gobabis. This was announced over the weekend by ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, who said that 11 suspects have been arrested to date in connection with rhino poaching incidents in the Etosha National Park.The arrests follow the recent discovery of at least 12 black rhino carcasses in the park in June. At least 22 rhino carcasses have been identified so far this year that were killed by poachers.Muyunda said after the recent discovery of poached rhinos in Etosha, law enforcement efforts were intensified, and through intelligence-driven operations and investigations, several arrests were made in areas adjacent to Etosha. “All the arrests and confiscated items are suspected to be linked to the recent rhino poaching incidents in Etosha National Park.”Serious The police confiscated two vehicles, five rifles, ammunition, axes, knifes as well as cash close to N$50 000, which was found in the possession of the accused persons at the time of their arrests.According to Muyunda, these items are subject to in-depth investigations to establish positive links with the carcasses discovered in Etosha. Eleven accused persons are remanded in custody. Their cases have been postponed to 8 August, 24 August and 3 October in Ondangwa, Tsumeb and the Okahao Magistrates courts respectively, for further investigations.The suspects are each charged with four different rhino poaching related crimes. The suspects each face four different rhino poaching related charges. They are: Naeman Kangula (26); Agas Johannes Jafet (19), Risto (33), Matiti Matteus Kauzapo (32), Elago Natangwe Elago (34), Kiinge Ignatius Kamati (18), Johannes Nelongo Shikongo, Mbayenovantu Katiti (45), Tjozondunge Murumbua (23), Kazoondu Mutambo (37) and Jonas Njamba Albina (30). Investigations unveilMeanwhile, there have been new developments in other cases currently on the court roll which have been under investigation, Muyunda said. In August 2018, four suspects were arrested at a traffic checkpoint after police discovered three fresh rhino horns and a hunting rifle in their vehicle.That case has been linked to two rhino carcasses that were discovered in Etosha, also during August that same year.“Ballistic and DNA evidence has positively linked those two cases. The trial for these cases is scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday this week at the Otjiwarongo Regional Court.”Further, in another high-profile case in May 2020, two rhino horns were confiscated during a covert operation in Otjiwarongo.Another two rhino horns and a hunting rifle were seized at a residence of the preacher, Babi, in the Kleine Kuppe residential area, as well as two fresh rhino carcasses on a farm in the Omaheke Region. “All these three cases were also linked through ballistic, DNA and other technical evidence. These cases were also combined for the purposes of trial and scheduled to be heard on 19 August in the Gobabis Regional Court.”Poachers beware Muyunda said these developments are a clear indication that the joint operations between the ministry, the police, the Namibian Defence Force and intelligence through the Blue Rhino Task Force are producing results. “It is also important to note that for almost all rhino carcasses discovered, there are suspects arrested. This should serve as a caution to would-be poachers that they may be successful in killing our rhinos or other wildlife species, but our relentless law enforcement officials will definitely catch them. Furthermore, we want to caution that the law was amended to increase penalties for poaching of rhinos.” Namibia has increased fines for poaching to N$25 million from N$200 000 and prison sentences have risen to 25 years from 20 years.Muyunda added the joint operations effect pre-emptive arrests of suspects before they get to poach. Recently, two suspects were apprehended with a .303 rifle, 11 rounds of live ammunition, a silencer, axe and knife among other things. The suspects intended to enter Etosha to poach a rhino, however, they were caught before they could enter the park.

Preacher Babi's rhino trial starts next month

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Naemi Haimbodi 2 Year Ago 13 July 2022

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Preacher Babi's rhino trial starts next month

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Naemi Haimbodi 2 Year Ago 13 July 2022

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