Imalwa issues stern warning to wildlife criminals
Special courts to combat wildlife crime a success
A major concern has been the dramatic increase in live plant trafficking in Namibia for the illegal international ornamental plant market.
In a stern warning to wildlife criminals, Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa said authorities “will empty your house and even follow you into your bedroom" in order to combat wildlife crimes.
Imalwa was speaking at the opening of the National Stakeholder Forum for Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement, held in Windhoek this week.
She made the remarks as she warned these criminals that they would hit them where it hurts most, namely their pockets and strip them of everything.
“Wildlife crime in Namibia has become a serious concern that threatens our national heritage and damages our environment,” she said.
Imalwa said the Office of the Prosecutor-General has created the Environmental Crime Unit (ECU), which is represented at all courts in the country.
“The ECU, together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General, are tasked with the responsibility [of ensuring] that crime does not pay. If you benefit from such a crime, we can follow you through the civil process and conviction-based forfeiture. We will hit you where it hurts most, which is your pockets. We will empty your house and farms and take away from you also your items that were used or bought with proceeds of crime.”
Dedicated courts
In April and September 2022, special courts dedicated to wildlife crime were spearheaded in Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Okahao and Outapi, where "collaboration among stakeholders proved that together we can make a difference."
She said that the same special court was conducted in March 2023 in Windhoek, where the focus was not only on wildlife but also corruption and money laundering, as all these crimes are interconnected.
Imalwa said this year, the special courts at Katima Mulilo and Rundu just concluded at the end of June.
Special courts are also currently ongoing at Oshakati, where two special courtrooms are being held for July and August, while the third special court, where two courtrooms are involved, is scheduled for Windhoek for August and September.
Worrying trend
Tourism and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said that criminal activities related to wildlife and other natural resources are escalating, despite countermeasures.
“This is as true for Namibia as it is on a global scale.”
Shifeta’s speech was read on his behalf by deputy inspector general Anna-Marie Nainda.
Shifeta said that poaching of rhinos continues to be a major concern, and along with its partners, the ministry has developed a range of tactical responses to deal with this.
He said they are hopeful they will be able to dismantle key syndicates this year.
Shifeta added that pangolin seizures showed a sharp increase in 2023, following a significant decline in 2022, noting that this may have been due to the special courts.
Shifeta said Namibia’s elephant population has steadily been increasing, and efforts by anti-poaching forces in key elephant ranges have ensured minimal poaching incidents during the past year.
“This is in stark contrast to poaching in neighbouring countries. We are mindful that continued vigilance is required as the illicit ivory trade in the region shows alarming trends.”
He also warned that Namibia, especially the north-east regions, remains an important transit country for traffickers.
He said one of the largest causes for concern during the reporting period has been the dramatic increase in the trafficking of live plants for the international ornamental plant market.
Imalwa was speaking at the opening of the National Stakeholder Forum for Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement, held in Windhoek this week.
She made the remarks as she warned these criminals that they would hit them where it hurts most, namely their pockets and strip them of everything.
“Wildlife crime in Namibia has become a serious concern that threatens our national heritage and damages our environment,” she said.
Imalwa said the Office of the Prosecutor-General has created the Environmental Crime Unit (ECU), which is represented at all courts in the country.
“The ECU, together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General, are tasked with the responsibility [of ensuring] that crime does not pay. If you benefit from such a crime, we can follow you through the civil process and conviction-based forfeiture. We will hit you where it hurts most, which is your pockets. We will empty your house and farms and take away from you also your items that were used or bought with proceeds of crime.”
Dedicated courts
In April and September 2022, special courts dedicated to wildlife crime were spearheaded in Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Okahao and Outapi, where "collaboration among stakeholders proved that together we can make a difference."
She said that the same special court was conducted in March 2023 in Windhoek, where the focus was not only on wildlife but also corruption and money laundering, as all these crimes are interconnected.
Imalwa said this year, the special courts at Katima Mulilo and Rundu just concluded at the end of June.
Special courts are also currently ongoing at Oshakati, where two special courtrooms are being held for July and August, while the third special court, where two courtrooms are involved, is scheduled for Windhoek for August and September.
Worrying trend
Tourism and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said that criminal activities related to wildlife and other natural resources are escalating, despite countermeasures.
“This is as true for Namibia as it is on a global scale.”
Shifeta’s speech was read on his behalf by deputy inspector general Anna-Marie Nainda.
Shifeta said that poaching of rhinos continues to be a major concern, and along with its partners, the ministry has developed a range of tactical responses to deal with this.
He said they are hopeful they will be able to dismantle key syndicates this year.
Shifeta added that pangolin seizures showed a sharp increase in 2023, following a significant decline in 2022, noting that this may have been due to the special courts.
Shifeta said Namibia’s elephant population has steadily been increasing, and efforts by anti-poaching forces in key elephant ranges have ensured minimal poaching incidents during the past year.
“This is in stark contrast to poaching in neighbouring countries. We are mindful that continued vigilance is required as the illicit ivory trade in the region shows alarming trends.”
He also warned that Namibia, especially the north-east regions, remains an important transit country for traffickers.
He said one of the largest causes for concern during the reporting period has been the dramatic increase in the trafficking of live plants for the international ornamental plant market.
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