Hefty fines for pangolin smuggling

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Two new cases of wildlife crime were reported last week and three suspects were arrested, while two men found guilty of the illegal possession of a live pangolin were fined N$20 000 or 48 months in prison.

Four illegal wildlife products were also seized, which included one elephant tail and three live tortoises.

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.



Elephant tail

At Outapi, John Angula Homateni Heita was arrested on 7 July for being in the possession of one elephant tail and 601 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.

He was charged with contravening the Controlled Wildlife and Trade Act and the Arms and Ammunition Act.

At Omaruru, Herman Saba was arrested on 8 July in connection with an old rhino poaching case, dating back to February. He was charged for contravening the Nature Conservation Ordinance, the illegal hunting of a rhino and for conspiring to hunt a rhino. A vehicle was also confiscated.



Live tortoises

In a separate case, Soiny Nakamwe was arrested on 10 July at Onesi for being in the possession of three live tortoises. He was charged for contravening the Controlled and Wildlife Products and Trade Act. Meanwhile, two men were found guilty at Nkurenkuru on 7 July for being in the possession of a live pangolin.

The matter dates back to November last year and the two were charged under the Controlled and Wildlife Products and Trade Act. Moses Kangumbe and Otavi Nsinano Mpepo were both fined N$20 000 or 48 months in prison.