Operation Rhino nabs eight suspects

Anti-poaching operations in the Etosha National Park between March and June this year have led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to rhino poaching.
Three rhino carcasses with horns still intact were also discovered during the same period.
Six rhino horns were confiscated from the eight suspects, and preliminary investigations suggest that these horns originated from rhinos poached in Namibia’s flagship park.
Major-General James Tjivikua, Deputy Inspector-General for Operations at NamPol, shared the latest anti-poaching news at the change of guard of anti-poaching personnel in Etosha on Wednesday.
He also said that two rhino horns, which DNA analysis linked to a rhino poached in Etosha National Park in 2016, were recently confiscated in Zambia. Three suspects, a Namibian national and two Zambians, were arrested.
The public was once again urged to share with the police any information relating to rhino poaching.
“These illegal activities impact negatively on our socio-economic development and endanger the existence of our unique species of animals, which are at the centre of our tourism attraction.”
Tjivikua was talking at the handing-over of the fifth phase of the ongoing anti-poaching operation dubbed ‘Yesa Ongava’.
The reins were handed over from Commissioner Anna-Marie Nainda, regional commander of the Oshikoto Region, to Commissioner Armas Shivute, regional commander of the Otjozondjupa Region.
Tjivikua congratulated the outgoing commander, praising her team’s “excellent performance and success achieved during the intense three-month operation”.
JANA-MARI SMITH