The rhino horn that reportedly went missing while in the care of a 45-year-old police officer at Otjiwarongo between 30 September and 03 October this year, has been recovered in Angola.
This was revealed by control public prosecutor, Obert Masendeke during a bail application hearing for the accused, Sergeant Salatiel Simon on Wednesday.
Simon who was accompanied by his lawyer, Kenneth Siambango had submitted documents to Otjiwarongo Magistrate, Immanuel Udjombala for him to be released on bail. This was however, shot down by Masendeke who informed the court that chances are very high that the accused might interfere with the investigations and that it will also not be in the public interest with the new development for Simon to be granted bail.
The matter was postponed to 24 January 2023 to allow for further police investigations.
Simon who is a member of the Namibian Police Force’s Protected Resources Unit (PRU) in the Otjozondjupa Region, was remanded in police custody.
He was arrested on 04 October for the alleged theft of a rhino horn which was placed under his care between 30 September and 03 October 2022 for safekeeping.
It is alleged that Simon was given six rhino horns for safekeeping and only five horns were booked in at the Otjiwarongo Police Station by the sergeant. Upon enquiry, the suspect did not provide satisfactory answers which resulted in his arrest.
Simon made his first court appearance on 05 October 2022 for the missing horn which allegedly weighs 12 kilogrammes and is estimated to be worth N.dollars 96 000.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
