‘Prophet Babi’ arrested for rhino horns possession

By Confidente Reporter

THE POPULAR and charismatic self-proclaimed prophet Jackson Babi was arrested by the Namibian Police yesterday after he was reportedly found in possession of two rhino horns, rifles and ammunition at his home in Windhoek. Confidente understands that the horns came from rhinos poached in the Omaheke region.

Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed Babi’s arrest, adding that information at this stage was sketchy.

Police also arrested a former NDF member, a VIPP police officer and another suspect in a longstanding case of poaching rhinos that has been under investigation by intelligence.

The value of two recovered horns so far is said to be around N$250 000.  The police also impounded a Toyota vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

The trio include Enos Uutoni, former NDF member Elias Nashivela and police officer Haufiku Onesmus.  The net closed in on the suspects when members of the Protected Resources Unit conducted an undercover operation in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondupa region in the course of which they identified a group trying to sell rhino horns, developed intelligence on them and then posed as buyers before arresting them.

Reports suggests that the trio had various roles in their operation, with Uutoni the seller, Nashivela the poacher and Onesmus as seller and driver. Onesmus according to information at hand was previously arrested for murder at Grootfontein.