The Namibian Police at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region have arrested a man for alleged possession and dealing in controlled wildlife products after he was found with four hippopotamus teeth on Saturday afternoon.

Like ivory, hippo teeth are often used for decorative carvings, but they are cheaper and easier to obtain. Hippo body parts can still be traded under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), though all international sales require an export permit.

The 20-year-old suspect, whose name can’t be revealed before he appears in court, is a Namibian citizen. He was arrested along the Choto-Mafuta Road in the vicinity of the Lyawanda area, Katima Mulilo. 

“It’s alleged that the suspect intended to sell to a would-be buyer, but a police sting operation swiftly interrupted the trade. The suspect was arrested on the spot with the products, and without a permit from the relevant authorities,’’ the police said in their weekend crime report. 

“The teeth were seized and booked in as exhibits. The products are valued at N$100 000. The suspect is expected to make a first appearance on Monday, 6 March 2023 at the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court,’’ the police added.

In a similar event, the police at Otjinene in the Omaheke region last week recorded a case of wildlife crime after three suspects were apprehended for Illegal hunting of protected game on Wednesday afternoon.

“The three suspects are aged 19, 28 and 44, and are all Namibian,’’ the police said. 

“It’s alleged that the suspects hunted protected game and killed a hartebeest on a farm without a permit from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The suspects allegedly used snare wires. They appeared in the Otjinene Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 3 March 2023, and were not granted bail. Their case was remanded to Monday, 6 March 2023 for plea,’’ said the police.