Rhino slaughter continues
Thirty-five rhino carcasses have been discovered that were poached last year, raising the 2015 figure to 125 rhinos killed.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism yesterday announced this new statistic and said poachers had killed 37 rhinos so far this year.
Minister Pohamba Shifeta attributed the sudden increase in last year’s figure to increased aerial patrols that spotted more carcasses from the air. Analysis of the carcasses showed that the rhinos were killed last year already.
At the end of February this year the ministry reported that 90 rhino had been killed last year.
Shifeta said three fresh rhino carcasses were discovered in Etosha National Park, pushing this year’s total up to 37. Of these, 28 were killed in the Etosha National Park, eight in the Kunene Region and one on a private farm.
Shifeta expressed regret at the granting of bail to accused poachers. He said the issue had been taken up with the Prosecutor General.
He said if bail is granted, it should be accompanied by strict conditions.
“For instance, if the suspect is a resident of the area near Etosha the suspect should report at least three times per day to a police station and not be allowed to leave the region.”
Shifeta said it is frustrating for police officers when they spend a year trailing a suspect, only to see him released on bail and resuming the illegal slaughter of protected wildlife.
He said there are groups and syndicates that are cooperating with each other and the ministry knows who they are.
“We have found that sometimes these suspects are even camping in Etosha. They set up camp where we cannot patrol.”
Shifeta said the ministry will start using horse patrols, as suspects can hear aerial patrols coming.
He said the criminals are getting accommodation and information from communities living north-west of Etosha.
“We have a strategy for these communities as well and we will approach the traditional authority for assistance.”
Forty-nine elephants were poached last year, and 31 so far this year.
ELLANIE SMIT
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism yesterday announced this new statistic and said poachers had killed 37 rhinos so far this year.
Minister Pohamba Shifeta attributed the sudden increase in last year’s figure to increased aerial patrols that spotted more carcasses from the air. Analysis of the carcasses showed that the rhinos were killed last year already.
At the end of February this year the ministry reported that 90 rhino had been killed last year.
Shifeta said three fresh rhino carcasses were discovered in Etosha National Park, pushing this year’s total up to 37. Of these, 28 were killed in the Etosha National Park, eight in the Kunene Region and one on a private farm.
Shifeta expressed regret at the granting of bail to accused poachers. He said the issue had been taken up with the Prosecutor General.
He said if bail is granted, it should be accompanied by strict conditions.
“For instance, if the suspect is a resident of the area near Etosha the suspect should report at least three times per day to a police station and not be allowed to leave the region.”
Shifeta said it is frustrating for police officers when they spend a year trailing a suspect, only to see him released on bail and resuming the illegal slaughter of protected wildlife.
He said there are groups and syndicates that are cooperating with each other and the ministry knows who they are.
“We have found that sometimes these suspects are even camping in Etosha. They set up camp where we cannot patrol.”
Shifeta said the ministry will start using horse patrols, as suspects can hear aerial patrols coming.
He said the criminals are getting accommodation and information from communities living north-west of Etosha.
“We have a strategy for these communities as well and we will approach the traditional authority for assistance.”
Forty-nine elephants were poached last year, and 31 so far this year.
ELLANIE SMIT
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