Python skins seized

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Six suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crimes and three new cases were opened recently, while seized products included python, leopard and pangolin skins.

Two of the suspects were arrested in connection with rhino poaching or trafficking, while two others were arrested for elephant poaching or trafficking.

A total of nine illegal wildlife products were confiscated.

This is according to information provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources unit within the safety and security ministry.



Arrested

At Outapi, a Namibian man was arrested on 2 August for being in the possession of a rhino horn. Veiyo Nelenge was charged for contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act.

In a separate incident in Windhoek, two Namibian men were arrested on the same day when they were found in possession of three elephant tusk pieces, one leopard skin and a pangolin skin.

Gabriel Nalitje and David Simon were charged for contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act.

At Kahenge, two Namibian men were arrested on 4 August for being in the possession of three python skins. Nepando Sitoka and Imarwa Haingura were both charged for contravening the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act.

In another incident at Sesfontein, a Namibian man was arrested on 5 August in connection with an old case of illegally hunting a rhino. Uaungumana Piriko was charged for contravening the Nature Conservation Ordinance.