Collective action assists government to counter pangolin crimes
A total of 320 cases of crimes involving pangolins have been recorded in the last five years since 2017, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said in a statement when the country celebrated World Pangolin Day over the past weekend.
Muyunda said the figures include 43 in 2017; 62 in 2018; 96 in 2019; 59 in 2020 and 60 in 2021.
“Authorities have confiscated 1505 pangolin products which include 15 carcasses; 81 live animals, 193 skins; 6 skin pieces and 1210 scales from suspects. We have since intensified our efforts against wildlife crimes including those committed against pangolins in Namibia,” he added.
According to Muyunda, the ministry has formed alliances and collaborations with key stakeholders including civil organizations, NGOs, law enforcement agencies, private sector institutions and members of the public.
“Because of this collaboration coupled with other measures put in place against pangolin crimes, 592 suspects have been apprehended since 2017. Together with other partner organizations and institutions, we have set up a reward scheme for information leading to the arrest of people catching, killing, trading and trafficking pangolins,” he said.
Muyunda said members of the public are encouraged to aid authorities in catching culprits involved in pangolin crimes, not necessarily for the reward, but for the protection and preservation of this species.
“If someone is in possession of any of these products and they are found guilty by a court in Namibia, then they are liable for a fine of up to N$15 million or imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both a fine and imprisonment up to the stated amounts. Perpetrators are therefore cautioned to stop crimes against pangolins or risk being caught to face the full wrath of our law,” he added.
