The Zambezi police arrested a man who at point-blank range shot and killed a hippopotamus that was damaging their maize crops at Sitinda Farming at Muyako.

A case was opened against the suspect by the police at Ngoma on Saturday.

Just like for all wild animals, killing a hippo without a licence is against the law. 

The suspect allegedly took down the mammal to protect cultivated lands and gardens. The gun owner will also be charged for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as supplying firearms and ammunition to an unauthorised person.

“It is alleged that the suspect shot and killed a male hippopotamus to the value of N$100 000, which was troubling their maize fields. The matter was earlier reported to the local conservancy about hippos which destroyed the fields of the accused on several occasions.

The firearm used was a hunting rifle. It has been confiscated, along with three cartridges and one live bullet,’’ the police said.

In an unrelated matter, a pensioner is expected to appear in the Okahao Magistrate’s Court this week after he was found in possession of two live tortoises.

The police crime report stated that the pensioner from Iitatu village, Tsandi constituency, did not have permits for the reptiles. 

The 69-year-old has contravened laws against hunting protected game without a permit, and capturing and keeping wild animals without a permit.