Farmworker arrested on possession of leopard, python and pangolin skins

A 39-year-old farmworker was arrested Sunday morning along the B8 road at Grootfontein after he allegedly tried to sell dried skins of a leopard, python and pangolin to an undercover police officer.

Namibian Police Force Community Affairs Commander in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha in an interview with Nampa on Monday said the suspect faces a charge of possession and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

The estimated total value of the leopard skin, one dried python skin and that of a pangolin skin allegedly found in his possession is N.dollars 145 000, Mbeha said.

“The suspect is a farmworker at a commercial farm situated along the Grootfontein-Okavango B8 road, about 30 kilometres northeast of Grootfontein,” she added.

He is expected to appear in the magistrate’s court at Grootfontein during this week, Mbeha said.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency