Three Arrested Over Illegal Elephant Shooting After Woman Killed in Tsandi
By Aneli Fura
Three suspects have appeared in the Okahao Magistrate’s Court in connection with the illegal shooting of an elephant in the Omusati Region.
The accused, identified as Paulus Wilhelm (23), Ndeshipanda Fillemon Kaapangelwa (51) and Awala Ndinelago Inamugadhimbwa (34), were each granted bail of N$800 during their court appearance on Monday, 9 March.
Police are treating the matter as a case of poaching after the elephant was allegedly shot on 4 March in a mahangu field at Ongulumbashe village in the Tsandi constituency. The animal had reportedly killed a 46-year-old woman in the area a week earlier.
Authorities allege that the suspects used a .303 hunting rifle to shoot the protected animal, which is estimated to be worth about N$295 000. The elephant was later recovered but had already sustained fatal injuries.
Investigators further claim the suspects were found in possession of a firearm without a valid permit and ammunition without the required licence. They also face additional allegations of supplying arms and ammunition without authorisation and failing to properly store a firearm.
Inamugadhimbwa was reportedly the first person arrested in connection with the incident before the other two suspects were later apprehended
