Erongo police have launched an inquiry into the unlawful killing of a specially protected black rhinoceros bull on a farm in the Omaruru district. Investigators believe the crime, which included the removal of the animal’s horns, took place sometime between December 2024 and October 16, 2025. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Senior inspector Judith Shomongula described how an unknown number of suspects entered the custodian's property armed with a firearm and shot the rhino in the head. The horns were then severed with a sharp instrument. The carcass, valued at about N$500,000, was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities stress that poaching of this nature endangers Namibia’s wildlife diversity and weakens conservation efforts as well as tourism livelihoods. Officers continue to patrol the area and urge anyone with relevant information to step forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Senior inspector Judith Shomongula described how an unknown number of suspects entered the custodian's property armed with a firearm and shot the rhino in the head. The horns were then severed with a sharp instrument. The carcass, valued at about N$500,000, was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. Authorities stress that poaching of this nature endangers Namibia’s wildlife diversity and weakens conservation efforts as well as tourism livelihoods. Officers continue to patrol the area and urge anyone with relevant information to step forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
