The Erongo police are investigating the illegal hunting of a specially protected black rhinoceros bull on a farm in the Omaruru district.
The incident, which also involved the theft of the animal’s horns, is believed to have occurred between December 2024 and 16 October 2025.
Senior inspector Judith Shomongula of the Erongo police says the suspects are yet to be arrested.
“It is alleged that an unspecified number of suspects entered the custodian farm, hunted and killed one rhino bull with an unknown firearm. The suspect(s) shot the rhino in the head and removed the horns from its carcass by using an unknown sharp object,” she says.
The black rhino, valued at approximately N$500 000, was later found dead on the property in a decomposed state.
The authorities confirmed that the poachers’ methods included shooting the animal in the head, highlighting the deliberate nature of the crime.
Police investigations are ongoing, with officers working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Shomongula urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
“Poaching of protected wildlife not only threatens Namibia’s biodiversity but also undermines conservation efforts and livelihoods linked to tourism,” she says.
The Erongo police continue to monitor the area and are appealing to communities to assist in safeguarding the country’s wildlife.
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