Officers get training in fighting wildlife crimes

WINDHOEK, 04 JUN  – The American Embassy, in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, is conducting a Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation Course (CSI) for Namibian law enforcement officers and Ministry of Environment and Tourism officials.

The course commenced in the capital on Monday and will end on Friday.

Officers and officials will be trained on processing scenes and handling evidence associated with wildlife crimes.

In a speech read on his behalf, Namibian Police Inspector General, Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga said the course will equip officers with effective knowledge to protect the Namibian wildlife.

“This will enable them to effectively collect evidence from the scenes and properly investigate cases to ensure successful conviction of offenders,” he said.

US Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson pointed out that wildlife crime threatens Namibia’s security, economic prosperity, long-standing conservation efforts, human health and the rule of law.

“Wildlife trafficking also emboldens transnational organised crime elements, facilitating trafficking in other illicit goods and providing illegal revenue to further a variety of criminal enterprises,” she added.

Participants will also receive advanced CSI equipment at the end of the course to aid them in future poaching investigations.
NAMPA