Two rhino poaching suspects are expected in court this week on charges of conspiracy to hunt specially protected game after they were arrested on a private game lodge on Sunday.
Namibian Police Force head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha on Thursday said the suspects who are Namibian males are aged 27 and 31 years.
Mbeha said between 13 July and 16 July 2023, four unknown poachers allegedly entered the lodge outside Otjiwarongo with the intention to hunt a rhino.
She said it was on 16 July when the four different strange footprints were detected on the farm.
A quick response team of police officers joined by officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism were informed and launched an operation, she said.
Their one-day special operation led to the arrest of two male suspects on the game farm, while the two other accomplices fled with the hunting rifles and tools, she said.
“A rhino they had pursued around the farm survived their hunt unharmed,” Mbeha said.
A search for the suspects who fled is still ongoing, while the two suspects in police custody are expected in the Otjiwarongo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday or Friday on charges of conspiracy to illegally hunt a rhino and on trespassing.
Police investigations in the matter continue.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency