ONGWEDIVA – The police in Oshana Region have in less than a week arrested five suspects in connection with protected wildlife crimes.
The five suspects face charges of controlled wildlife products. In a recent incident yesterday, the police arrested two suspects who were found in possession of a live pangolin following a police tip-off.
They were arrested following a police search on their vehicle.
The two suspects whose names are withheld pending their appearance in court were arrested at Okaku kaNangula village, situated along the Oshakati-Omungwelume road.
Oshana police spokesperson, Warrant officer Frieda Shikole said the pangolin was found hiden under the rear seat of the motor vehicle during a police search.
The pangolin which is valued at approximately N$50 000 was handed over to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
Three other suspects were arrested on Friday for being in possession of pangolin skins valued at N$150 000 in total.
The skins were found hidden in the boot of their vehicle.
They were arrested at Oniimwandi village which is located on the Oshakati-Okahao road.