WINDHOEK – Magistrate Johannes Shuuveni on Monday gave December 12 this year as the final remand date for further investigations in the matter in which three Chinese nationals face charges of attempting to smuggle 14 rhino horns valued at N$2.3 million.
The attempt to smuggle 14 rhino horns out of the country took place in March this year.
The matter was postponed for the prosecutor general’s decision on how to proceed with the matter.
Li Zhibing (53), Li Xiaoliang (30) and Pu Xuexin made another appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court.
The three are charged with two counts under the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act, namely possession and export of controlled wildlife products in the form of 14 rhino horns and a leopard skin.
They all denied the charges.
They were caught with the rhino horns, as well as a leopard skin valued at N$50 000, in their luggage on March 23 at Hosea Kutako International Airport on their way to Hong Kong via Johannesburg.
They allegedly wrapped the horns in plastic and foil and loosely tucked them between clothes in their suitcases.
They were remanded in custody. The three were denied bail in May. During the bail hearing the court heard they travelled the same day and their visa numbers followed each other.
The court further found that they did not pay for their own accommodation during their stay in Namibia.
During the bail hearing Xiaoliang said he was not aware of the contents of the suitcase found in his possession.