WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA – A well-known businessman, Steven Louw, found himself in a life-threatening situation after a harrowing encounter with a gang of poachers on his farm located between Walvis Bay and Windhoek. The incident, which took place last Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the local farming community and raised concerns about the implementation of bail conditions for known poachers.
Louw, a farmer himself, came face-to-face with the poachers while they were illegally hunting on his property. In a courageous attempt to apprehend them, Louw chased the criminals in his vehicle, leading to a dangerous confrontation.
During the chase, the poachers began discarding oryx carcasses illegally hunted on Louw’s farm, eventually leading to a violent clash when Louw managed to block their path. The situation escalated when Louw’s vehicle was forced off the road by the poachers’ vehicle at a construction site on the C14 highway, leaving him vulnerable to attack.
The poachers, on foot, turned to violence and assaulted Louw with rocks, causing severe injuries. Fortunately, a bus carrying tourists arrived at the scene, prompting the poachers to flee and saving Louw’s life. The quick actions of the tourists, who called for help, allowed authorities to swiftly respond to the incident.
Subsequently, the police captured two of the poachers who had sought refuge in nearby hills. The suspects were charged with attempted murder, trespassing, illegal hunting, and other offenses, shedding light on the challenges of maintaining bail conditions for repeat offenders in the legal system.
The farming community, represented by fellow farmer Joachim Cranz, expressed frustration over the ease with which individuals like the main suspect, Fanie Uirab, obtain bail and evade law enforcement despite a history of poaching-related offenses. Cranz highlighted concerns about the enforcement of bail conditions and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division confirmed the arrests and assured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and combat poaching activities. The suspects, found in possession of oryx carcasses and implicated in damage to the farm’s property, face multiple charges under the Nature Conservation Act of 1975, emphasizing the gravity of their actions.