Suspected poachers shot in Etosha

Suspected rhino poachers have been shot dead in the western part of Etosha National Park as part of an anti-poaching operation. This was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. According to the media release, a patrol of the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) came across shoe prints of people who had entered the park at the park's fence last Wednesday.

The patrol followed the tracks for around 60 kilometres, it was said. They led to a waterhole where rhinos are often found, as there are small bushes that the pachyderms like to eat.

When the suspected poachers noticed their pursuers, they immediately opened fire, according to the press release. They were killed during the exchange of fire. Two hunting rifles were found on them.

Rhino poaching appears to be on the rise again this year in Namibia. According to media reports, 35 poached animals have already been discovered across the country. According to the Ministry of Environment, the number was 28 at the end of March. 19 of the cases were registered in Etosha National Park alone.

The poaching of rhinos takes place in remote areas of the park. Therefore Namibian holidaymakers visiting Etosha are unaware of these incidents.

Sven-Eric Stender