Staff Reporter
A 47-year-old farm owner has been arrested for murder following the death of a suspected poacher who was shot and killed on Saturday evening, with his lifeless body discovered only on Sunday morning. The incident occurred in the Otavi area in the Otjozondjupa Region.
It is alleged that the farm owner and an employee were on a routine patrol on the farm when they came across three suspicious shoe prints. They followed the tracks for a distance before spotting a person who fled into the bushes and began firing at the farmer and his employee. According to the police, the farmer returned fire. The exchange of gunfire continued until darkness fell, at which point the farm owner and his employee returned home. However, when they revisited the scene the next morning, they discovered the lifeless body of the suspected poacher, who had sustained fatal head injuries. They immediately reported the incident to the police.
The deceased has been identified as Saul Gariseb, 43, a resident of Erf 5, Otavi, who was allegedly visiting a neighboring farm. Snare wires were found near the body. The farm owner was subsequently arrested, and his firearm was seized. Four spent cartridges were recovered from the scene.
In the meantime, two suspected poachers who were with the deceased were located, and their statements were obtained. However, the rifle that was purportedly used by the poachers was not found.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Otavi Magistrate’s Court today.
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