Windhoek
In an effort to curb an upsurge in wildlife crimes, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, says no private guns will be allowed into national parks, following a spate of illegal poaching of rhinos and elephants.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has been working with other law enforcement and conservation agencies to put into place short- and long-term strategic measures against poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. The measures involve issues of human capacity, surveillance, patrolling and detection.
Currently, members of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) are being deployed in the Etosha National Park, the Bwabwata National Park and the Palmwag tourism concession area. NamPol and the Namibian Defence Force are also conducting regular aerial patrols.
Shifeta gave the assurance that investigations would continue in all areas where illegal hunting of rhinos and elephants were reported.
“We continue to invest more resources in combating illegal hunting of our rhinos and elephants. Combating wildlife crimes is a priority and therefore more resources need to be invested in our efforts to stop these illegal activities,” he added. – Additional reporting by Nampa
