2016-03-16Staff Report 2 Windhoek Four men appeared in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court on Monday for allegedly being in possession of rhino horns. On Monday New Era reported that the police arrested five people in three different regions on Saturday for possession of rhino horns and elephant tusks. One man was arrested in Kavango East for possession of elephant tusks, while two men were arrested in Opuwo for possession of rhino horns. The accused are Kaiko Murumbua, 22, Pinehas Tangeni Amunyela, 30, Vaino Ningeni Kalola, 35, and Kleopas Ashipala, 27. They face a charge of possession or dealing in controlled game products Magistrate Claudia Claasen presided. Fillemon Nyau represented the State. Deputy Police Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, who is the head of Nampol’s Public Relations Division, informed the media on Sunday that two of the men were arrested in Windhoek as a result of a joint operation between the Protected Resources Division and the Police Crime Division. The two were found in possession of two rhino horns. As a result of the police operation in Windhoek, two more people were arrested in the Kunene Region. Last August the Minister of Environment and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta questioned the conduct of prosecutors who recommended bail for suspected poachers while crucial investigations were still ongoing. Shifeta said it is frustrating for law enforcement officials, who work tirelessly to nab poachers, when prosecutors propose bail for suspects. “We’ve arrested a lot of people, including a police officer in Windhoek. I understand the police officer was given bail of N$25 000 and I asked why he was given bail. The prosecutors are supposed to deny bail. I heard they proposed bail on two occasions. “In fact, they are only supposed to remand suspects. We’re getting suspicious about some of these prosecutors, but we’re still investigating,” he said. 2016-03-16Staff Report 2
