25 Aug 2013

Maun Police are investigating an incident in which an elephant tusk and game meat were found strapped to a horse carcass floating in Xhoodumo River near Nxaraga in what is believed to be a poaching incident. 

A press release from the police states that the occurrence was discovered by a fisherman who informed the police.

Another elephant tusk was later found in the river not far from the scene of the first discovery.

The release states that it is suspected that the horse drowned with the load on its back when trying to cross the flooded river while police investigations in the area led to the discovery of an elephant carcass with its tusks missing.

In yet another suspected incident of poaching, an elephant tusk was found hidden in the bush at Botshabelo ward in Maun by a passer-by. 

No one has been arrested in all the incidents. 

The release further states that since July this year, Maun Police have recorded 10 cases in which elephants were killed and 12 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the cases. 

“Most of the incidents were recorded in Nxaraga, Shorobe and Ditshiping.”

Under the penal code offences, the release says the police recorded 44 cases of burglary and theft, 38 cases of store breaking and theft, 48 cases of house breaking and theft, 27 armed robbery cases, six cases of motor vehicle theft, three murder cases, 20 rape cases and six fatalities of road accidents.  ENDS