Eight rhinos poached in Etosha in four months

14 suspects arrested

Poaching inside Etosha National Park remains rife, as the police have reported that eight rhinos have been killed on the Omusati side of the country’s flagship national park so far this year.

Omusati police regional commander Ismael Basson last week confirmed that eight rhinos have been killed since January, with 14 suspects arrested.

A member of the anti-poaching unit has told The Namibian some poachers enter the national park in the company of traditional healers to perform rituals believed to offer protection during illegal hunting activities.

“. . . to allegedly prevent them from being arrested or failing in poaching.

We are also informed that some poachers cross into Angola to consult traditional healers for similar rituals before poaching trips,” the source says.

Basson, however, says: “There are rumours they use juju [witchcraft] to succeed with their poaching, but it has not been confirmed – at least from my side.”

He says intelligence services has informed the police that the market for rhino horns is in Angola.

“The suspicion is that the buyers are in Angola.

Poaching in Etosha is a serious concern . . . the number of reports that we are receiving.

“The animals should not be poached.

The public is warned and also urged to talk to their families. If there is anybody who knows anybody who is poaching, their families must also report them.

Although it might not be possible, please make it possible,” Basson pleads.

He says members of the public must not enter the national park as it is a restricted area.

“We are also scared. Sometimes poachers enter the park with firearms, and at some point you see shootouts between poachers and the anti-poaching unit. We urge poachers to stop.

Please assist us to protect the animals,” he asks.

The Namibian last August reported that the police in the Oshana region arrested a traditional healer (31) from Okanguati in the Kunene region for allegedly performing protective rituals for poachers before they enter Etosha National Park.

These rituals reportedly aim to shield poachers from wild animal attacks, arrest by law enforcement, and prosecution.

While the exact amount charged by the healer for the cleansing rituals remains unclear, the police at the time confiscated money believed to be payment, along with a collection of herbs.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.