Illegal Poaching and Stock Theft Frustrates Omaruru Farmers Again

Area west of Omaruru in red

Illegal hunting with wire traps is causing havoc among wildlife and domestic livestock in the privately owned wildlife conservancy area west of Omaruru. Hundreds of wire traps are deployed in the area by illegal butchers who operate from makeshift bush camps where the meat is prepared for the informal market in Omaruru. The area is known in local slang as the Meat Paradise or the Butchery of Ozondje (named after a traditional neighborhood in Omaruru).

Wire traps can cause huge losses not only to wildlife, but also to domestic livestock and expensive stud animals. Game farmers assisted by a security company in Omaruru is fighting a continuous battle with these "confident" butchers. Farmers feel that the situation is now getting out of hand. One farmer has lost 10 Oryx in a short period of time from a group of 20 in one of his smaller camps. 

The full story with photo is available (in Afrikaans) at: http://www.republikein.com.na/erongo/stropers-verniel-omaruru.155441.php

Mr. Festus Kaaronda, farmer from Omatjette area

Mr. Festus Kaaronda a well known livestock  farmer from Omatjette area expressed his concern with the increase in stock theft in communal areas. It is affecting livestock farming in a negative way as it is a deterrent to investment in livestock. According to him three stolen oxen were put on auction at Omatjette on 19 September 2012. Fortunately the culprits were apprehended and is currently in jail.