No bail for suspected poachers

Seven alleged rhino poachers were refused bail last week in the Omararu Magistrate’s Court following protests and petitions by the community against their release.
The case has been postponed until 29 August for further investigations.
The control prosecutor Louis Chegune confirmed to Namibian Sun that no bail was granted for the alleged poachers and that they were remanded in custody.
Last week during the bail application of the seven suspects, a group of more than 80 members of the public protested the granting of bail for the alleged poachers.
The accused, Naftal Tjiveze (44), Jazungua Karunga (34), Thomas Ungula (32), Johannes Kuutondokwa, Frans Tjirondero (32), Meingo Simon (36) and Oiva Nekondjo, age unknown, face charges of the illegal possession of a firearm, the unlawful hunting of protected game and trespassing.
The accused had allegedly shot and wounded a white rhino cow at a game lodge near Omaruru on 11 March. Three days later the accused allegedly again shot at a rhino bull which escaped.
The Omaruru District Watch (ODW) and the Namibia police’s resources protection unit tracked down the poachers and arrested the alleged shooter on 14 March who was carrying a heavy-calibre rifle.
A second accused was arrested on the same day while the other accused were arrested on 15 March and 18 April.
The state opposed bail on the grounds that they might interfere with the police investigation and also on the grounds that they may abscond. The crime is very prevalent and it would not be in the public interest to release the accused on bail,” Chegune told the magistrate.

ELLANIE SMIT