Niël Terblanché
A deadly exchange of gunfire during which three suspected poachers were killed occurred over the weekend in the Etosha National Park.
According to the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo the fatal exchange of gunfire followed a routine patrol by members of the Anti-Poaching Unit.
“The confrontation began on Friday evening when anti-poaching officers, during their routine patrols along the park’s perimeter, discovered suspicious shoeprints indicating an illegal entry through the fence. The member of the unit immediately initiated a search operation,” he said.
Shikongo said the incident occurred as law enforcement officials intensified their efforts to combat the scourge of wildlife poaching in the country.
Dividing into two teams on Saturday, the officers tracked the poachers’ movements deeper into the park.
“Upon realising they were being pursued, the suspects opened fire on the patrol officers, prompting a gun battle,” he said.
According to Shikongo, the intense exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of all three poachers.
“None of the officers sustained injuries during the gunfight,” he added.
Shikongo said a subsequent investigation at the scene revealed that the poachers were equipped with three rifles, one of which was fitted with a silencer.
The suspects also wore anti-tracking fibres on their feet in a calculated effort to obscure their movements and hide their footprints.
“The discovery of the anti-tracking footwear is a demonstration of the increasing sophistication of poachers operating in Namibia’s protected areas,” he said.
The general added that the identities of the deceased suspects are still unknown because they had no identification documents on their bodies.
According to Shikongo, the remains have been transported to the Oshakati Police Mortuary.
He said the fatal incident points to the intensity of the ongoing challenges faced by members of the anti-poaching unit in their fight against poaching.
The Etosha National Park has been a frequent target for poachers seeking to exploit its rich biodiversity.
Shikongo said Law enforcement and conservation units will remain steadfast in their efforts.
“Operations like this should serve as a reminder of the risks involved for prospective poachers while law enforcement officers are on duty safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage,” he said.
Shikongo appealed to members of the public with information about the poachers or individuals with missing family members to assist the Namibian Police in identifying the deceased.
He said that anyone with information needs to contact the officers at the head of the investigation at 081 124 7341.
Shikongo reiterated that the Namibian Police and members of the anti-poaching unit are committed to maintaining vigilance in the face of increasing threats to wildlife.