ONGWEDIVA – Several people are reportedly risking their lives to harvest mopane worms at Etosha National Park.
Some even trespass into farms without permission from the owners.
Oshikoto police chief Teopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku warned that entering Etosha National Park is risky and dangerous. “There are wild animals in Etosha that might attack and kill a person,” she stated.
She said such actions violate the park’s rules and regulations.
On an annual basis, this time of the year, hundreds if not thousands of people flock to and gather at Amarika constituency in the Omusati and Kunene regions to harvest worms for free.
Some go with tents, some put up shacks, while others commute from nearby villages. Harvesters collect them in large quantities, and sell to people who want to resell, or for consumption.
As exciting as it is, this income-generating activity for mostly unemployed adults comes with grave danger and daily struggles. Kalompo-Nashikaku said last month, a 13-year-old boy went missing while harvesting mopane worms with his parents in Etosha National Park.
“He was missing for five days, but the police eventually traced him to villages surrounding Etosha,” she said.
She clarified that the boy was unharmed, and was safely returned to his parents.
She urged people to stay away from Etosha, pointing out that the area harbours snakes, making it unsafe.
Meanwhile, Kunene police regional commander James Nderura said on Monday 30 people were found illegally harvesting mopane worms on a farm near Outjo.
“They did not have consent from the farmowner. We warned them, but people are still flocking onto the farms,” he stressed. Nderura urged people to always seek permission from farmowners before entering their properties, noting that some farms have dogs that can harm individuals.
He shared that police in Kunene have been using local radio stations to inform community members about the importance of obtaining consent before entering private property.
“During March and April, our region receives a large influx of people from Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati to harvest mopane worms,” he added.
He said some even bring children with them.
“Imagine entering someone’s farm with your child without consent,” he added. Also speaking to this publication, the environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said he was informed about a group of people illegally entering Etosha National Park to harvest mopane worms.
“It’s illegal, and the risk is high. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The minister stated that people should be seriously warned, as the ministry does not want the government to be blamed.
Shifeta indicated that Etosha is home to over 400 lions, making it very risky for anyone to enter the park illegally.
“When it’s dark, it’s not safe because officers from our ministry who work at the park might suspect that there are poachers. But they could just be community members harvesting worms,” he stressed.
He urged people to obtain letter permits from their traditional leaders to harvest worms in the communal areas.
“I didn’t say people shouldn’t harvest worms, but they should follow the proper procedures,” he added.