Niël Terblanché
With the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) now officially operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter criminals involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has welcomed the establishment and progress of Namibia’s first-ever specialised ECC in Otjiwarongo, which is set to play a crucial role in tackling wildlife-related offences.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the court represents an important milestone in the country’s fight against environmental and wildlife crimes.
In a statement on Tuesday, he explained that the ECC’s formation required meticulous planning and coordination between the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Justice, and the Judiciary, with additional support from non-governmental organisations and funding partners.
“Fortunately, NGO and funding partners responded positively and enthusiastically to the idea as it presented a crucial activity to assist in clearing the backlog of existing cases while expediting new cases,” he said.
According to Muyunda, the establishment of the ECC forms part of Namibia’s National Wildlife Protection Strategy, which aims to bolster the country’s efforts to combat poaching and other wildlife-related offences.
He added that the court, which formally began operations in January 2025 after being inaugurated by Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in August 2024, focuses exclusively on environmental crime cases.
“The ECC will improve the speed and response in handling wildlife crime cases, which in our view will assist in the prevention of wildlife crime. We are indeed excited with the establishment of the ECC, which demonstrates the Namibian Government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s wildlife and natural environment through a partnership approach to the investigation and prosecution of environmental and wildlife crime,” he said.
Muyunda added that the court has already begun hearing cases, with staff actively working to establish a court roll and facilitate the transfer of relevant cases from other courts within its jurisdiction.
A dedicated magistrate and a senior prosecutor have been appointed to oversee proceedings, supported by additional court personnel who focus exclusively on environmental and wildlife crimes.
Muyunda said that the ECC is not the only initiative aimed at improving the prosecution of wildlife offences.
Special wildlife courts were also held in Oshakati, Rundu, and Katima Mulilo throughout 2024, handling a combined total of 181 cases, of which 102 were finalised.
He said that the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is committed to working alongside funding partners to secure financial resources that will enable the establishment of similar courts in other parts of the country.
“The special courts play a significant role in clearing the backlog of wildlife crime cases,” he stressed.
According to Muyunda, the ECC is a demonstration of the power of partnerships in the fight against environmental crime.
He added that the court was made possible by a collaborative effort involving funding from the Namibian Government, the United States Government’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Rooikat Trust, Wildcat Foundation, Namibia Nature Foundation, and WWF in Namibia.
He described the establishment of the new court as a legacy investment.
“The court is expected to enhance law enforcement efforts by ensuring that wildlife crimes are dealt with swiftly and effectively,” he said.
He added that the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative reflects Namibia’s determination to preserve its rich biodiversity and natural heritage for future generations.
With the ECC now operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter those involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes, reinforcing Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts.
