18 Aug 2014

Chobe District wildlife officer, Mr Balisana Marotsi said they have witnessed increased wildlife-related crimes in the district and the country at large which have the potential to impact negatively on the tourism sector.

Speaking at a workshop for honorary wildlife officers in Kasane recently, Mr Marotsi said, “this development poses a serious threat to the economy and national security because tourism is the second largest contributor to the national economy after diamonds.”  

The workshop aimed to prepare honorary wildlife officers for their new assignment of law enforcement.
 
“In this regard, we should guard jealously against these resources and it is only through joint efforts that we can contain crime, hence the department’s effort to involve as many stakeholders as possible,” he said.



Mr Marotsi said by applying for the honorary wildlife officer’s position, they were inviting more enemies than friends. He, however, urged them not to succumb to pressure but to carry out their commitment to the best of their ability.

He also encouraged officers to report any illegal or suspicious activity relating to wildlife crime to the nearest police stations. Officially opening the workshop, Kasane senior magistrate, Mr Molema Molema said anyone found with elephant tusks or any animal part, was liable to a fine, imprisonment or both.



Mr Molema said the wildlife officers could search anyone without a search warrant if they suspected anything and they were protected by the law to do so. 

Though their assignment was voluntary, each honorary officer’s performance will be evaluated at the end of the financial year, he noted.



The workshop objective was to equip honorary wildlife officers with knowledge that will help them carry out their duties and assist the department with different skills or expertise where possible. Ends