‘Poacher’ soldiers denied bail

Three members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) were denied bail after making their first court appearance in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court yesterday.Richard Kasoma, Paulus Iipinge and David Aishe stand accused of poaching and appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu, who postponed the case to 7 May for further investigations.Public prosecutor Michael Munika opposed bail on the grounds that it is not in the public interest to release the men, and fear of interference in the investigation.According to environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, Kasoma, Iipinge and Aishe were arrested last Friday at around 08:00 in Mangetti National Park. “Park officials conducted a routine anti-poaching patrol and fence inspection and found the three NDF members crossing the Mangetti fence to the Mururani location, with bags full of dried of eland, kudu and wildebeest meat without a permit,” he said. Despite an attempt to escape, the men were apprehended. “It is alleged that [Kasoma, Iipinge and Aishe] poached the kudu, eland and wildebeest to the value of N$22 450 using a service rifle," Muyunda said.He added that it&#039;s "incomprehensible and disappointing that those tasked with protecting our wildlife and natural resources are the ones plundering them". "There is no doubt that uniformed forces have been integral in the fight against wildlife crime. However, we have experienced situations where individuals take this responsibility lightly and indulge in illegal activities in our national parks. We condemn this, and commend our staff members who were vigilant in apprehending the suspects,” he said.- nikanor@erongo.com.na

‘Poacher’ soldiers denied bail

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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‘Poacher’ soldiers denied bail

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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