Rhino Horn Suspects In Namibia In Custody

Three men who were caught with three rhino horns just outside of Otavi in Namibia on Friday, have  made their first court appearance yesterday and were remanded to stay in custody. 

The three men, Japyangula Tjihange (33), Tjingee Kaukamburua (29), and Paulus Tjambiru (27),  were caught at a roadblock on the Outjo-Otavi gravel road just outside of Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region of the country on Friday evening with what appeared to be freshly cut off rhino horns.

Police said that it was apparent that the rhino horns were ‘freshly sewn off’ because of the moisture found in the fibres as well as some traces of blood.

According to police, the men had two large horns in their possession along with one smaller horn.

The men failed to stop at the roadblock, which immediately set the police off. The men then threw the bag containing the rhino horns out of the vehicle they were speeding away in.

The police then managed to apprehend the vehicle.

However, two out of the five people in the car managed to escape and are currently still on the run.

The three suspects that were apprehended, however, appeared in front of magistrate Clara Mwilima, where they were charged with possession of controlled wildlife products and hunting specially protected game.

The men will remain in custody while the police search for the remaining two assailants.

The case has been postponed until the 13th of September.