Police in Ghanzi have arrested seven men suspected of illegal possession of government trophy and illegal hunting, all committed recently.
Two men, aged 30 and 19, from Bosele Ward were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of an elephant tusk.
Station Commander Superintendent Moilwa George said the suspects were arrested last Thursday following a tip-off. Forensic investigations later confirmed that the tusk be that of an elephant and were charged accordingly.
According to Superintendent George, the two men claimed to have found the tusk in the bush. And have since appeared before the Ghanzi Magistrate’s Court.
In another case, five men aged between 19 and 63 are under investigation after they were allegedly caught hunting four warthogs on private property.
Police allege that the suspects entered the private property without permission and were found in possession of the warthog carcasses. Superintendent George said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will appear before the Ghanzi Magistrate’s Court once inquiries are complete.
He added that while illegal hunting cases do occur in the district, they are not widespread. He reminded the public that hunting is only permitted under the law through valid hunting licences and approved quotas, which specify where and what species may be hunted. Hunting without the required permits remains a criminal offence.
In a separate incident, police are investigating an alleged rape in Kuke village involving a 30-year-old woman and a 19-year-old male suspect.
Superintendent George said the victim was allegedly dragged from a fireplace where she had been sitting with other people before being taken to the suspect’s house, where the alleged rape occurred.
At the time of the interview, investigations were ongoing and the suspect had been arrested and was expected to appear before the Ghanzi Magistrate’s Court.
Superintendent George urged members of the public, particularly women, to avoid walking alone at night and encouraged them to move in trusted groups to reduce the risk of such crimes.
Meanwhile, police in Maun have confirmed that a 22-year-old man who was reported missing earlier this month was found dead near Tsanakona Farms on the outskirts of Maun.
Acting Station Commander, Assistant Superintendent Moutlwetse Ikobeng identified the deceased as Convey Kandjou of Thito Ward in Maun. He said the young man’s body was discovered hanging by passersby this week.
Superintendent Ikobeng said a forensic examination found no evidence of foul play, confirming that the death was a suicide.
He further noted that about 90 percent of people reported missing are eventually found and reunited with their families.
