Two Namibian men have been denied bail after being arrested in Walvis Bay in connection with the alleged possession and attempted sale of a pangolin skin valued at approximately N$50 000.

According to Erongo police spokesperson Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula, the arrests followed information received by the police that two men were allegedly in possession of a pangolin skin and looking for a potential buyer. A police operation was conducted on 22 October at approximately 10:00, resulting in the arrest of both suspects and the confiscation of the skin. Police further established that the pangolin skin had been frozen.

The suspects, identified as Jeremia Ndjomena, 39, and Moses Vanyika, 30, appeared before the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court on 23 October. Both were charged under the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act, as amended, relating to the possession of or dealing in controlled wildlife products without the required authorisation or permit.

The matter was postponed to 15 March 2027, and both men were denied bail. Senior Inspector Shomongula said investigations are continuing, while the police have urged the public to refrain from the illegal possession, buying, selling or trading of pangolins, pangolin skins and other protected wildlife products. These include elephant tusks, pythons and protected plant species such as the Welwitschia. Members of the public are encouraged to report any information relating to the illegal possession or trade of protected species to the police or the relevant authorities.

The police have reiterated the importance of protecting Namibia’s wildlife and ensuring that those involved in illegal wildlife trade are reported to the appropriate authorities

By Eileen van der Schyff